How To Cure Extreme Pain Due To Degenerative Disc Disease Between L4 And L5?

Hi, I have been told that I have degenerative disk disease, with degeneration between L4 & L5. Two years ago, I experienced extreme pain: couldn't get out of bed without a lot of assistance for close to two weeks. The healing process took almost a year, and I still flare up fairly easily. Up until recently, I was in an intensive graduate program, and although I did some exercises, I never committed to them intensely. I am 37 years old and have never been pregnant, but would like to begin trying soon. What is my prognosis? What can do to avoid major flare ups/or are they unavoidable? What can I do for pain while pregnant?