Intervertebral discs are complex structures consisting of three parts: nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and cartilage end plates. With aging, intervertebral discs gradually degenerate with the effect of many factors such as microenvironment changes and cell death. Clinical studies and experimental animal model studies in the literature have reported that cell death, particularly apoptosis and autophagy, contribute significantly to intervertebral disc degeneration. Mechanisms underlying this phenomenon include activation of apoptotic pathways and regulation of autophagy. On the other hand, autophagy refers to the chain of events that occur in response to nutrient deprivation and multiple stresses. We aimed to examine the mechanisms at the cellular level in intervertebral disc degeneration by focusing on the studies that reveal the functional mechanisms of these pathways. Thus, lots of information can be obtained about how physical and chemical changes exacerbate the degenerative process of the entire spine.