The main characteristic of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the reduction of the number of nucleus pulposus cells and the imbalance of the metabolism of extracellular matrix mediated by various molecules under the stimulation of adverse factors. There- fore, studying the changes of molecular expression during IDD has become one of the main strategies for the treatment of IDD. In recent years, injection of growth factors has proved to be a promising biologic therapy for IDD. However, transforming growth factor-β and other factors can induce unnecessary vascular growth, thus accelerating the process of IDD. In contrast, the growth differentiation factor (GDF) family shows promise in the treatment of IDD. Studies have revealed that GDF-5 plays an important role in maintaining the structure and function of intervertebral disc. This review summarizes the pathological process of IDD and the latest research progress on the mechanism of GDF-5 used for treating IDD, aiming to provide new ideas for delaying IDD.