The epidural shots didn't help me, but I am a lot older than you. Yes, they hurt some. I am surprised you have DDD at your age. I have it bad, but I am in my sixties and have had 7 back surgeries. I can tell you surgery doesn't help with the pain on a long term basis. It is very painful. I felt like a train had it me after going threw that. Surgery helps when there is a need for it and only when everything else fails. Stay with pt awhile longer. Yes, it does make you sore, but so doesn't exercise. I have had 5 fusions and still I am not pain free. Give it time because 1 surgery just drives the pain up or down further. Give it time. Sometimes, things get better on there own. Good luck.
Fancylady