(HealthDay News) -- Most people have back pain at some point, but some are prone to more frequent episodes.

The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says risk factors for back pain include:

  • Growing older. Back pain often starts when a person is in their 30s or 40s.
  • Getting infrequent physical activity.
  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Having a family history of back pain.
  • Having a chronic illness, such as arthritis or cancer.
  • Having a job that involves a lot of lifting or twisting of the spine.
  • Having poor posture.
  • Being a smoker.