Driver Door sticky and intermittently wont open
 

I have an '08 Civic LX Manual, and I have just started having my door not letting me out when I try to leave through the driver door. It only happens about once a week, and when it does I can usually hit the door panel and it will then let me open. Also, the outside handle of the same door is sticky and doesnt spring back to its original place like it used to, but just hangs a little ways off like a springs has gone bad or something.

I have taken the panel off and poked around, and will replace parts if needed but wondered if I can get specific guidance before replacing parts I need to.

Thanks!