4. Facet Joint Degeneration
The degeneration of the facet joints is something that happens in everyone over time, and much like DDD is an accepted part of the aging process.
Some people may find that either through overuse and wear and tear or through hereditary conditions and predispositions, their facet joints actually degrade much faster than would normally be expected. This can cause radiculopathy as the nerves and tissues around the bones and the facet joints are impinged or irritated when they would normally be left alone.
Interestingly, there are a large number of professional pole-vaulters who retire with facet joint degeneration.
One Russian athlete named Sergei Olenko retired as he was on the brink of qualifying for an Olympic Games in the 1990s. He had the expectations of the nation on his shoulders but was unable to compete due to his ongoing issues. He later went on to develop radiculopathy and has written a book on how to cope with the condition.