Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common conditions influencing disability, experienced by more than 80% of the western population, and ranked higher than many fatal diseases according to the Global burden of Disease study. One of the main causes of LBP is considered to be intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The reason behind the development of IVDD are not fully elucidated, however both biomechanical and biological factors are considered to contribute. Also age, genetic factors as well as life-style factors seems to play a role. The aspects of how fast the changes develop, the association to pain and how to get as much out from MRI diagnostics are further of interest in the attempt to understand which role IVDD have in the cause of LBP.