Objective To detect the levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) ,interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in herniated intervertebral disc,and discuss the role of IL-1 、IL-8 and TNF-α in the course of the intervertebral disc degeneration and to clarify the mechanism of the lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation. Methods The medium was analyzed subsequently for the production of IL-1 、IL-8 and TNF-α in the control group and herniation group ( experiment group). Results The levels of IL-1 、 IL-8 and TNF-α in the experiment group were ( 71.35 ± 11.23 ) μg/L, (7.33 ± 2.45 ) μg/L, ( 6.54 ± 2.67 ) μg/L; The levels of IL-1 、 IL-8 and TNF-αin the control group were(28.58 ± 12.25) μg/L, (2.35 ± 1.15 ) μg/L, ( 3.33 ± 1.45 ) μg/L. The levels of IL-1 、IL-8 and TNF-α in the experiment group were obviously higher than that in the control group. There was statistical significance (P < 0. 01 ). Conclusion There was obvious relationship between the levels of IL-1 、IL-8 and TNF-α in herniated intervertebral disc and disc degeneration. The increase of the levels of IL-1 、IL-8 and TNF-α could be the cause of intervertebral disc herniation and disc degeneration.