How Should Back Pain Caused By A Degenerative Disc Be Treated?

My back has serious pain. I've seen a doctor & he diagnosed it as a mild degerative disc. Well to me it does not feel mild. I have a hard time sleeping & I can not sit any longer than 5-10 minutes without having to get up in serious pain. At my place of work I sit in an office chair and use the computer all day. I can not sit down for a 15 minute session much less 8-10 hours. I am 37 years old & have had back injuries in the past. Although my doctor would not know that being that he spent a total of 4 minutes with me in the two out of three visits I made to his office.
How should this pain be treated byy any doctor?
Thanks
CSC