Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of more than 100 inflammatory conditions that affect the joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types, but there are many other forms. Diagnosing arthritis can involve blood tests, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Treatment is different depending on the cause, but the goal is always to relieve pain and inflammation while maintaining function.
Understanding Arthritis
Key Terms
- Autoimmune Disease
In autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy tissues or substances in your body as dangerous infectious agents like viruses or bacteria. It then creates antibodies that attack and attempt to destroy that tissue or substance, leading to damage, inflammation, and pain. More than 100 autoimmune diseases have been identified.
- Cartilage
Cartilage is a flexible but tough tissue that’s found in your joints, ears, nose, and airways. In joints, cartilage is basically a cushion and shock absorber, providing a smooth, low-friction surface for bones to glide over when you move. When it’s worn away or damaged, such as in arthritis, the result is pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the joint.
- Synovial Membrane
Also called the synovial lining or synovium, this is a thin connective tissue that contains synovial fluid. The synovium is inside your joints, providing padding between bones, muscles, and connective tissues. As you move, this membrane can change its shape and be compressed without being damaged. This is essential for proper movement of your joints.
- Uric Acid Crystals
Also called urate crystals, these are spiky crystalline structures that form inside joints when uric acid levels become abnormally high, as they do in gout. Uric acid crystals lead to considerable pain and often extreme inflammation. In later stages of gout, they may form clusters called tophi.
Types
![woman with finger pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/7FN_z_aUie_eiX7-swigYoKztaM=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1141574081-dc3199f1c14f4d15a407b0cd7d2f2cfe.jpg)
![woman suffering from rheumatoid arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/amU6J7l96rMKO86QKFpj2zBZzyE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1390310510-2c62d564d3e648ccbdddb6921a50ae68.jpg)
![Senior Woman Having Joint And Knee Pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/iAvRxPE2Ii7KIbftlGOzEYB2yo0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1644516071-2b8ffcf8ba5241a99d6fbd1560573e8e.jpg)
![Hand affected by arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/EiCnSEVuAyMTJnhfw9_5WIUZtRA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-182707964-8d0df9c461f64e8ebb3730a27b8d3f2d.jpg)
![Man seated on couch feels pain from knee osteoarthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/s4EK1SvSUXvFArmLavwTpjHpwH4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1403501449-d43fd277f1a44f46a7f8ec5e2a819850.jpg)
![Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/CjbqJHCsuYcBNrJ0GRXk4FC2AA0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/osteoarthritis-vs-rheumatoid-arthritis-2552097_medreview-01-612e9f0bdd2a49bd89a5fce2d58c2af9.png)
Living With Arthritis
![Woman trying on shoes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-5Otv6ANOsfr6TTjdK1Q3EoUVPg=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1182647884-e35d73f18b5f4a68a41c960100861974.jpg)
![elderly woman shopping for medications](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/i6GjlmSKRhVcbaG23Hdmnh8uqOA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-12113309851-a34796e61048433583eaa910ddd0eaa2.jpg)
![Side view of man vacuuming hardwood floor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/PdF7R8P1d1Q5tnRguoz0Y7nTqe4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/side-view-of-man-vacuuming-hardwood-floor-562452123-5a0326d4e258f800370fa3ca.jpg)
![Woman preparing cupcakes at home](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/3ziuOL6rEZIhe0uvjKekKVqAzhY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-932635636-fa9457af6ba74bcca1ada627267f3814.jpg)
![fish oil supplements](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/cmdWbDXbaWr1Lu3cTVWZ_7sT9LI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-172688582-ae2584df57e64d0db47edbd42f966ecd.jpg)
![Woman works at desk with laptop, holding papers and pen](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Oudeck5nOTZZm1PQrMtIprPSdCY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/working-at-desk-GettyImages-1401269015-6234633fe4ff4c64980c5a5c09758155.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Arthritis has four main causes.
- Degenerative (osteoarthritis): Age, overuse, or injury destroy the cartilage cushioning the joint.
- Inflammatory (RA, psoriatic arthritis): Autoimmunity causes damage and inflammation.
- Metabolic (gout): Uric acid build up causes symptoms.
- Infectious (acute arthritis): Bacteria or a virus infect the joint or joint fluid.
Learn More Arthritis Causes and Risk Factors -
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease in which the immune system misfires and tries to destroy the lining of your joints (the synovium). In some cases, it has systemic effects and may target the eyes, heart, lungs, or other tissues. RA is a progressive disease that can lead to pain, loss of mobility, and joint deformity.
Learn More Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview -
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease involving joint pain and skin lesions. A misfiring immune system damages skin cells called keratinocytes and the resulting inflammation can spread to the joints, nails, eyes, brain, and kidneys. Sausage-like swelling in the fingers and toes, nail deformity, and persistent fatigue are also common symptoms.
Learn More Psoriatic Arthritis Overview -
While symptoms vary from one type to another, most forms of arthritis share a group of symptoms, especially in the early stages. These include:
- Joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
- Limited range of motion in affected joints
- Redness and warmth around sore joints
- Nodules and nodes
- Systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and malaise
Learn More Symptoms of Arthritis -
You may be able to lower your risk of developing some types of arthritis through lifestyle modifications, such as:
- Losing weight
- Getting regular, moderate exercise
- Protecting your joints during contact or high-impact sports
- Not smoking or using tobacco
- Eating an anti-inflammatory diet
Learn More Lowering Your Risk of Arthritis -
If your doctor suspects arthritis, they’ll likely examine your painful joints; order blood tests to check for inflammation, autoimmunity, or other potential markers; and send you for imaging studies, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that can reveal damage to your joints and bones. They may also take steps to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Learn More Diagnosing Arthritis -
No, you can not give yourself arthritis by cracking your knuckles, no matter what your mother may have told you. The cracking sound you hear is just dissolved gasses quickly being released from the capsule that cushions your joint. That release is necessary for the capsule to expand properly when under pressure. Even so, too much cracking can damage the connective tissues surrounding the joint.
Learn More Knuckle Cracking and Arthritis
![person experience knee pain next to injection pens of semaglutide](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/XUMlnueILGs7IPz7qRv1FSHXK0M=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Cansemaglutidelowerarthritisrisk_A-9221ce89bd6b43e18c4b1a23c3010cb6.jpg)
![Hand on knee](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/FEYDCIJ-G28l6vwUBSNEwb5AYl4=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-2044648433-be753c8efbfd4c21a57b7f9583cf747d.jpg)
![achey hands among the seasons](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/5SBHyoj2FFLQd2Ndc3jWZmPT-BA=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ArthritisWeather-4000-x2700V3-e0db27faf3a745bd83a6edfce6857284.jpg)
![Unopened blister pack of pink pills next to a glass of water](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-2WGgM0hspvf82K4cQWTuz8aLqM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1001591412-61d9820048324ac78766118700a5f45b.jpg)
![A male massage therapist puts pressure on a sensitive point on a woman's hand.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/6nrqSfEa5CQkDdJUCC1A5798Hnw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/5089757-GettyImages-1146858640-4cf7604cf59c416aa09167cca4cf5e11.jpg)
![woman with back pain holding her back](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/6JRhuttJ_WTYuCsDVruTxNCoPAE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1156351126-165b81e088f844b78ab7f0e1e018d1c4.jpg)
![Man gripping stairwell handle and hip](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/8VVcsmbPPi1N3YFtbBZj9KYkHK8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-845633456-81521b5baf744196ae70114a829b9ebb.jpg)
![Woman with pain in her foot after sports injury](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/VNlRyurxNFVCC8-W7SRL__cn-uE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1264443669-31820d7bcc4846f38a361f0117dd4eb0.jpg)
![senior woman performing crunch exercise](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/OkGDwSkmCUUV3Vw7v79xYe3R4qo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1252460339-ef4fcc8c0f1c4ff1ac468b164ac1dfb8.jpg)
![person putting on socks](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/sC-0kKVSnOxClXYZ7qPJIaGX7kU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-606357239-671dc949563340358ad40f050422f4ea.jpg)
![Rheumatic Diseases](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/q6cQbWH8_5-lIVtJUy3wHeQ4cRo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWHNewCreate-ClassifyingRheumaticDiseasesBasedonDefiningTraitsoption2-notext-504b3d13000c485abd2ed50932d3a7c0.png)
![Bottle of celebrex](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/R9STLvJRdUbZK4x_tYyRcO71d6A=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH.GettyImages-471365176-dcb658055f7540a788a3382a0628ea32.jpg)
![Young Man Doing Squats At Home](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/JzcNF6ZcuD-n2SeT0r4X_pMg3j4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1421270779-1-294a339dd5084c54a2be9f0577fd35aa.jpg)
![Person spilling pills out in the palm of their hand from a pill bottle](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/YtrZgP0r5mmfSBMBCeP2_KI2A3c=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1415535391-1f3a9e437184407cab7a183e9956e85c.jpg)
![A person walking briskly to get at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise per day to lower inflammation.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/GxThHztRon3L_gzkxG_Y1eXjXig=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-MiraNorian-TumorNecrosisFactor-NoText-4000x2700-8e47f706cc9f4a5693e8c65badc960db.png)
![occupational therapy for rheumatoid arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/3C8DhVAhwF4_DfJDNC-mjxY6Kpk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-540206554-2000-b4f175ecc3fa4896bad678fef7366daf.jpg)
![An arm with drip infusion.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Cvq-AxKqcArxUny-gENyO5Atn-Q=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-661949055-87feb2bc9bd14cfb9c63fb558186273f.jpg)
![a man rubbing cream on his elbow](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/KN2j_Ak_IURtsCQkBuba3y_YUms=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1273486043Mentholcream-b626c0d3e0c143fb914514c03fdc6541.jpg)
![a woman with a swelling finger](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/tYxWbTW8aP2kL_jkhV9cTF3QuEQ=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1221027583-74dc3434f29d4d7fba36313caabb64d7.jpg)
![arthritic knee](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/oazsvuI-3usWopV6gDj1NBEFzM0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1213394222-09e1093a458445439be1211d47b2560a.jpg)
![Young Asian woman sitting on bed and feeling sick, taking medicines in hand with a glass of water](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/p0mv8CGG7cOvniKljBYl9wlCcpc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1223126964-856d98a5e0544417be164180720f5631.jpg)
![Girl holding her elbow](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/eEsGz0JmnEfyVBoy0aPBvx-a_8U=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1255930861-7f952f5b5c3a437e9de3777b2c954c65.jpg)
![knee acupuncture](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/W3hYjI0XvXglNI6qGCeeNUUHOvo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-473625440-31f23e9934e241c0aecfe83564e555b9.jpg)
![arthritis mild](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/_xl69fZbBZ-chx60Nk9nPEbqczo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1204628352-df19d7ad582c4f4497a11631a6632afd.jpg)
![An illustration of a person with a bone spur riding a bike](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/N1dzjJA8MSH9q_ceVnDtTiCs3TQ=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-MichelaButtignol-BoneSpursinKnees-Recirc-7c88212ee87c4f21b59ba33af2f9571b.jpg)
![knee pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/O_eY6n9OhxRXunzie9zva4zy8oQ=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1143879397-7f93bf38e84843c18e63e05bb71529c0.jpg)
![woman with hand pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/D8X09-VZ5Hf5aGC8HIME7SI1M_E=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1141574089-21a63c81a6fa4cf1a3f20b6a9ea45498.jpg)
![Senior woman rubbing knuckles](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/2imWBY63Dno33PJraOyEWTJtETk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-143073207-43f57f7b848349d185c42e601ca62dbf.jpg)
![Osteoarthritis nodules on hand](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/ohMEu7zZOadMq6tzMATEBIBjvKo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1183776753-3ade08c4a3db443c83abf08f96ea88d9.jpg)
![Woman Holds Hand in Pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/sYLV5cV1noMa-Uhpy8n_sZHbq-k=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1212851185-ff3b638bfe6d4127938714bd34d6b54c.jpg)
![Arthritic knees, X-ray](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/LCPPzdC-Q9mxrn0PSrKgKVs-kvs=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-103772369-62c873ba34ed448fae22ddf3a55e80bd.jpg)
![Senior man having medical exam](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/NQDNafOhXFXNQPEq1p27qcZXVQI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-921871082-87c5a2573100493291e733bede50ce9c.jpg)
![causes arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/w3EW5QVPgliZnEWvXifV_py5qfg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/157397050-56a6d9b25f9b58b7d0e51bd2.jpg)
![Old man with finger pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/dzyDP2Mu1x92YpKOqQYGMZo9KTw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/old-man-with-finger-pain-824782268-43dfe7814ed347fa8fc896f86ad4521f.jpg)
![X-ray shows fingers bent from rheumatoid arthritis with painful joints highlighted in red.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/E4iCs1o6vvQk4vXLKydXRdxTs7U=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/rahandsxray-df3da7f4c0c14d1a8bebad1b90bbc2d2.jpg)
![Symptoms of Scleroderma](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/OlsWYUyxG5YZEJ6olqY5_b1EES4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-758309713-5bc248e346e0fb00264d10e1.jpg)
![female physician looking at medications on shelf](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/KlplCrLkHqUgdg2A6Ynm1LsqWgo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1077578330-88d032bffe6844e39b796738dd7d020a.jpg)
![DIP Psoriatic Arthritis Symptom Relief](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/7gAhnfV2b9lCpfM5h2WZVOBW5qk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/distal-interphalangeal-predominant-dip-psoriatic-arthritis-overview-4176475-5c04a96bc9e77c0001e74e4f.png)
![Child getting exam for Perthes disease](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WqQmeClRmAMq4_XEbup0b-ZqjeM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-149317760-5b841553c9e77c0050ef793e.jpg)
![Arthritis mutilans](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/XrMVGC16w95ZNs_AWoji3mKHz_c=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-586037516-5bc612a34cedfd0051dfd019.jpg)
![A rash indicating Still's disease.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Z1sK85In9IdKoVrmezPStNZYjJw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-564760253-5bc8d61ec9e77c00515bfa3f.jpg)
![hives](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/m44hxqpwUecw2ma7jzfCnFymCio=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-687832234-768209dba0484938bfa782929e336cf3.jpg)
![PsA Triggers](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/fslRN3CIu13vhuG8E7gS52DSdvk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-585995518-5bb239464cedfd00268801d6.jpg)
![Pouring red wine in glasses](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/IY-k8xYKDNx_zViOTdlQyR64aiI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/pouring-red-wine-in-glasses-576747184-468a71d7c77349a5b41394b6fc11337f.jpg)
![Psoriatic Spondylitis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/r_4UVYsw6k_fREPHvzyrKn087dE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-502864997-5baceec3c9e77c002544b34f.jpg)
![a picture of a man holding injured knee.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/pwxAVGVuj5LUIof4yKKRgIg45S0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/image-56a72b015f9b58b7d0e7834f.jpg)
![A person holding one hand in another, feeling knuckle pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/fa9waJHeCPfSxRWCPbvg_9kR92w=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/knuckly-pain-GettyImages-1358249302-788a882a184143e491fc897e011bdfd5.jpg)
![An older person with stiff hands](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/TkpxEUSuEFremnlpySY7k-HMfMg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/stiff-hands-GettyImages-938463786-06df4955e86d4c7db4aae7bf1e6bef68.jpg)
![Close-up of feet, which can be affected by arthritis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/E8EpuTLoT2gt-pHBcO6QKOtJ-Tg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1199366246-7b2d0ddd47d947fc86ffa565babab922.jpg)
![feet on the floor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/fcmOkFo03SsIzw6TeDX1ZSHegF0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/feetonthefloor-a6b08e1175b1407bacd80adc053910f9.jpg)
![Black patient discusses joint pain with doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/gtM5HuKBfUQetKqkQ9mXtFeBJso=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/jointpain-7a8dd84c0b0148d781261e0e30e81cfc.jpg)
![toes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/O1IJBzud00Yni0-P5CrV8i_EwGA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1253661276-37b48ed729a443b1be89b3f56bd1d162.jpg)
![Risk Factors for Back Spasms: Cigar or cigarette (smoking), older person (age), a broken bone (bone weakening disease), weights that a weight lifter may use (regular heavy lifting), a brain in a head (emotional stress and psychological conditions), a person hunched in a chair (poor sitting or standing position)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/R7frvL1hUzecXQVpGeWwqwlc1jE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH_Illustration_Risk-Factors-for-Back-Spasms_Illustrator_Matthew-Collins_No-Text_Final-4f6560646e05432d996849988d9181ee.jpg)
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![Bone spur may develop in joints damaged by arthritis.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/B1hp0nziSyCeM3woc_ljjf6p4tA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-945203856_1-e818e2f565154f74a46107b6bec3bdc0.jpg)
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![Man talking to his doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/xOgBf-dmhWq6ubX0sXxP0lW8GcU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/171631860-56aae7f53df78cf772b4a4cb.jpg)
![a senior man sleeping on sofa with newspaper](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/ghU7iqRa37Sehm6U3momZcGmnyU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-82150337web-56ec44bc3df78ce5f834e8d3.jpg)