Is the DDD and such moderate/severe & is something is actually impinging on the nerves?
If not, and you do desk work, sports/weightlifting or other repetitive activities - Some of your pain & symptoms might be due to TOS or some other chronic RSI.
Have you had any expert PT for the pain at all.
TOS/RSI info -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html
If you have the written MRI report you can post the findings for comments..