Objective：To study the association between different types of Modic changes and lumbar disc degeneration，as well as their association with low back pain（LBP） further. Methods：Two hundred individuals with lumbar Modic changes had magnetic resonance imaging（MRI）from Oct to Dec 2016. Lumbar disc degeneration was determined by the Pfirrmann grading system. Intensity of LBP was evaluated via a 10-cm visual analog scale（VAS） through telephone interviews. The distribution of Modic changes and disc degeneration in lower segments（L4/5 and L5/S1 level）along with their associations，as well as their association with LBP，was analyzed. Results：Modic Ⅱ and Ⅱ-Ⅰwere associated with lower disc degeneration（grade 3，P < 0.05）. Modic Ⅰ-Ⅱ was associated with both lower（grade 3）and severe（grade 4）degenerative discs（P < 0.05），while Modic Ⅰcorrelated to severe disc degeneration（grade 4，P < 0.05）. Modic Ⅰ，Ⅱ and Ⅰ-Ⅱ were associated with LBP（P < 0.05）. Significant association between severe disc degeneration（grade 4）and LBP lost in multivariate analyses（P > 0.05）. Conclusion：Severe lumbar degenerative discs are more likely to be accompanied with Modic Ⅰ，while Modic Ⅱ with lower disc degeneration. At the early stage of degenerative process，Modic Ⅱ may change to Modic Ⅰ. Although both causing LBP，lumbar disc degeneration may exert indirect weak influence on LBP through the direct impact of Modic changes.