By adulthood, the Intervertebral disc is a largely fibrocartilaginous structure that permits limited motion while offering resistance against compressive loading. With degenerative change, there is a disruption in homeostatic regulation of the degenerative/damaged Disc leading to increased levels of catabolic and pain-causing cytokines in addition to granular or scar tissue formation rendering it vulnerable to further injury. With respect to non-operative treatment of spinal pain, numerous studies support the use of Spinal therapy and spinal mobilization; however, this remains controversial and lumbar disc herniation remains the number one malpractice claim made against chiropractors. Another non-operative treatment for Degenerative disc disease is non-surgical spinal decompression however; there is no mechanistic, biological evidence to support the notion that this form of treatment can re-hydrate a degenerative disc. Therefore, prior to selecting a form of treatment, the clinician should be aware of the biological model of intervertebral disc and apply an evidence-based, judicious approach to the management of patients afflicted with these disorders.