Abstract Aetiology of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is complex, with genetic, developmental, biochemical and biomechanical factors contributing to the disease process. It is becoming obvious that epigenetic processes influence evolution of IDD as strongly as the genetic background. Deregulated phenotypes of nucleus pulposus cells, including differentiation, migration, proliferation and apoptosis, are involved in all stages of progression of human IDD. Non‐coding RNA s, including micro RNA s, have recently been recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Research into roles of micro RNA s in IDD has been very active over the past 5 years. Our review summarizes current research enlightenment towards understanding roles of micro RNA s in regulating nucleus pulposus cell functions in IDD. These exciting findings support the notion that specific modulation of micro RNA s may represent an attractive approach for management of IDD.