Question
At 32 I noticed that I had been having progressively worse neck pain and stiffness for several years. I realized I needed to see a doctor about it. I went to my GP who prescribed prescription strength NSAIDs and PT. I also got an x-ray that showed minor arthritis and disc degeneration, pretty normal stuff.

Within the first week of PT I had a horrible flare up in pain that sent me back to my GP, she ordered an MRI. The test showed a herniated disc in C5-6 and mild bone spurs in C6-7 and 7-8 on the left side. It also showed a slight reversal of the natural Lordosis.

The PT helped considerably. I worked on strengthening my muscles and it taught me how to stretch out my neck. It did not correct all the symptoms and with the MRI results I was referred to an Orthopedist for further treatment.

The Orthopedist identified a herniated disc and prescribed prednisone. He looked befuddled when I tried to find out what I could expect or do in the coming months or years. He assured me that with the pills I most likely wouldn't even need a follow up appointment. He was rushed and tired, it was the end of the day.

I'm sure the steroid he prescribed will help with the current symptoms. That's not, however, why I went to see him. (My GP was willing to prescribe them for me.) I was looking for a knowledgeable consultant to discuss my condition with.

I have a herniated disc that will never be 'fixed'. I want to be proactive about this condition. Knowing my lifestyle I will most likely need surgery in the next 30 or so years. How do I make that 50 yrs instead of 10? What do I do now to fix my posture and activities to minimize the pain and additional damage. I assumed the Orthopedist would help me with this but I don't feel he did.

What kind of doctor or therapist do I need to see that will help me understand how to best live with this condition and maintain the best quality of life I can hope for?

Answer
great questions, you would be surprised at some of the questions we get with absolutely NO background. I'm not sure how old you are but from the sound of your x rays and mri i would guess your 50's. If you have numbness or pain shooting down your arm or hand you need to see a chiropractor right away.
You are correct when you say the meds will only cover up your symptoms, not address the root cause. A good chiropractor will give you advice on posture, stretching, and will help to re align the spine from a reversed curve to a lordosis cervical curve.
I suggest you get a posture pump cervical traction unit. This will help with your reversed cervical curve and will slow down the arthritis which develops faster when your spine is out of alignment (reversed cerv curve).  
Getting adjusted gently by a skilled chiropractor will also slow the degenerative process down. You are correct when you say these changes are irreversible. They are indeed permanent chronic injuries.
nutrition advice below

suggestions:
posture pump daily
stretch daily
chiropractic care regularly
glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
MSM