Hello, Thanks for your query. There are many different modalities that can help the pain from degenerative disc disease( DDD). You should keep your BMI under 25. Core strength is important. I know you said that your cannot work out but you can do body weight exercises that will help strengthen you back. One example is performing a simple plank. Pilates is a very good exercise regimen for patients with back pain as it focus s on core strength. There are some dedicated plans for patients with back pain. Physiotherapy and modalities such as ultrasound and TEN s machine can help. Massage can definitely afford some symptomatic relief as muscles do spasm in response to the pain. Medication - use a stepwise approach. Try to avoid opiate and benzodiazepine containing medication or use only for acute flares in pain. Start with tylenol and advil. Other different possibly more effective antiinflammatories such as naproxen and diclofenac can be substituted. If there is a neuralgic component to your pain then gabapentin or pregabalin can help. Amytryptiline at night can be of benefit. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care