Abnormalities in the body's soft tissues and several pains in the joints are often considered arthritis. Literally, it means a case of inflammation in a joint and its attachments. This is one of the most common conditions especially among Americans. Arthritis is taken seriously by those who have it because it often contributes to other physical disabilities as well.

More often than not, a simple case of arthritis, if not cured immediately could cause a person to be physically disabled.

There are a lot of types of arthritis and the most prevalent of all conditions is osteoarthritis. Since arthritis is a disease that affects different parts of the body including the spine, those with this condition find it really hard to move around especially those who have it in their bones. Arthritis of the spine could be especially disabling because these bones are responsible for holding the body in an upright position.

There are ways to relieve the pain caused by arthritis of the spine and other types, but for those who are still safe from this disease, it would be better to take steps in preventing it from developing.

Gender is considered a contributor to this disease because it is found to be more common in males than in females. Women may find themselves with osteoarthritis once they undergo the post-menopausal stage but men under the age of 45 are usually the victims of this condition.

Aging is also one of the factors that contribute greatly to it's development. It may start as soon as a person reaches 30 but the rate of the development could also be work-related.

If the person does not perform a lot of physical tasks in his or her job, then it is not likely for him or her to develop arthritis in his or her 30's. This disease could also be hereditary. If it runs in the family or there have been cases of congenital defects in the leg, joints and spine, it could be expected that arthritis would develop even at an early age in the next generation. Check to see if anyone if your family has had arthritis.

If a person has other diseases such as diabetes and other infections, it would be best to pay more attention to taking care of the body. Other diseases could also lead to the development of arthritis so it is necessary to understand this condition really well in order to prevent or cure it.