Question about degenerative disc disease - if no imaging was previously done and there were no prior symptoms (at least not significant), is it possible to have been caused by trauma?

Also, is having a flattened cord bad with bulging/protruding discs or is it only bad when it is herniated? The ones in question are Ts. Also bulging Cs. Have weakness and tingling on one side (and neck pain) but all this brushed off by many different drs. Why I am asking here. I do plan to go to a new neuro for this and a few other issues soon.