Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death that plays a key role in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Traditional Chinese medicine, with its advantages in overall conditioning, has demonstrated unique potential in the prevention and treatment of IVDD. This review considers the pathological mechanism of IVDD and its interaction with ferroptosis, revealing ferroptosis as not only a pathological driving factor, but also a therapeutic regulatory target. The theory of ferroptosis has great potential in guiding interventions for IVDD using traditional Chinese medicine. By targeting the key pathways of ferroptosis and exploring the potential mechanisms of ferroptosis-related genes, it provides a new perspective and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IVDD using traditional Chinese medicine, and also lays the foundation for the development of precise treatment strategies.