Brief Answer:
Many different modalities exist to help DDD

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question.

I can sympathize with you as I'm an orthopaedic surgeon but I also have DDD.

There are many different modalities that can help the pain from DDD.

You should keep your BMI under 25.

Core strength is important. I know you said that your cannot work out but you can do body weight exercises that will help strengthen you back. One example is performing a simple plank. Pilates is a very good exercise regimen for patients with back pain as it focus's on core strength. There are some dedicated plans for patients with back pain.

Physiotherapy and modalities such as ultrasound and TEN's machine can help. Massage can definitely afford some symptomatic relief as muscles do spasm in response to the pain.

Medication - use a stepwise approach. Try to avoid opiate and benzodiazepine containing medication or use only for acute flares in pain. Start with tylenol and advil. Other different possibly more effective antiinflammatories such as naproxen and diclofenac can be substituted. If there is a neuralgic component to your pain then gabapentin or pregabalin can help. Amytryptiline at night can be of benefit.

A corset or brace can be useful during period of more acute pain depending on the location of your pain.

Sometimes physiological help including cognitive behavioural therapy can help patients with chronic pain.

An obvious one but try to avoid exacerbating activities.

If your really struggling with your symptoms then further investigation with CT and MRI possibly a bone scan can be beneficial in terms of showing a target for local anaesthetic and steroid shots or surgical intervention although interbody fusions of the spine are controversial for DDD as the outcomes are far from proven in the scientific literature.

I hope your find this information helpful.

Best wishes

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