This experimental study was designed to clarify the role of the intervertebral disc in the progression and correction of scoliosis. A total of 186 Wistar strain rats were used. Progressive scoliosis-like deformity was produced in tails by fixation of a given strain for a certain period. Changes in the intervertebral disc and epiphysis of one group with removal of the nucleus pulposus, and the other without removal were examined radiologically and pathohistologically. The results are as follows: 1) deformity originated from deviation of the nucleus pulposus toward the convex side and was followed by changes of the concave side, and led to deformities of the epiphysis and vertebral body; 2) on correction of the deformity, deviated nucleus pulposus and contracture of the concave side served as correction-inhibiting factors. The author's results indicate that intervertebral disc affecting the progression and correction of scoliosis are of great clinical significance.