Physical therapy can help a lot, they teach you ways of moving and even standing to brush your teeth, getting in and out of your bed and car, etc., that help relieve the stress on your back. And of course exercises and things to help relieve the pain. Physical therapy has helped me and people I know with DDD.

But also sometimes you just need some painkillers and it really sucks that doctors seem to be afraid to prescribe them. Not everyone is a pillhead but doctors seem so hesitant to prescribe anything for genuine severe pain.