The primary cause of radiculopathy is anything that compresses or irritates a nerve root as it exits the spinal canal. Common causes include:-

• Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc): This is one of the most common causes. The soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in its outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), putting pressure directly on a nearby nerve root.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or the neural foramen (the opening through which nerve roots exit). This narrowing can be caused by:
• Degenerative Changes: Age-related wear and tear leading to bone spurs (osteophytes), thickened ligaments (ligamentum flavum hypertrophy), and bulging discs.
• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis): Degeneration of the facet joints (small joints connecting vertebrae) can lead to bone spur formation that impinges on nerve roots.
• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, potentially narrowing the neural foramen and compressing nerve roots.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): As discs degenerate, they lose height and elasticity, which can lead to disc bulging, bone spur formation, and narrowing of the space for nerve roots.
• Spinal Tumors: Although rare, a tumor growing near the spinal cord or nerve roots can cause compression
• Infections: Infections of the spine (e.g., osteomyelitis, discitis) can lead to inflammation and compression.
• Trauma: Injuries such as whiplash or direct impact to the spine can cause disc herniation, fractures, or other changes that compress nerve roots.
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (for lumbar radiculopathy): While not directly compressing nerve roots from the spine, severe SI joint issues can sometimes refer pain patterns that mimic radiculopathy or contribute to nerve irritation.