can't steer HELP

[mg05]

For a while now, i've had a little play in my steering wheel(not front end play, but the steering wheel it self) i have tilt wheel, and i assume the problem comes from people over the years using the steering wheel to pull themselves in the truck.

i was going to overlook it, but it just got worse, and now it is getting to teh point that it is putting the wheels in a bind and causing the steering wheel to stick so i cannot turn...

i know i had a problem similar to this in an old k5 blazer i owned and all it needed was tightened up...but i tore into the ford, and i'm lost....

anyone else had this problem? I don't think this is a problem i could just ignore