Hi Matt
I'm sorry you are suffering from so much anxiety. It can be scary and worrisome when you are not sure what is wrong. However I'm surprised your doctor didn't refer you to someone who specializes in herniated discs. You need to see a specialist--I wish I could remember what they are called. My husband has herniated discs and had many of the symptoms you do. We used to joke that now he knew what MS patients felt!! He had several rounds of cortisone shots in his neck over a period of weeks. He also did physical therapy for many weeks. Eventually it went entirely away. As far as both sides of your body I'm a firm believer that extreme anxiety can actually cause you to have the symptoms all over. I've experienced it myself with something I later found was non existent. Anyhow you need to see someone for the herniated discs and get that treated properly.

Good luck and take care!!