I've had pitted finger nails for several years without any other symptoms i can think of. are they always associated with a health problem?

No.: But psoriasis is a frequent cause of pitting nails. Do you do a lot of construction or manual work with your hands? Have you had vitamin D level checked? Do you take in plenty of calcium or at least RDA? Omega-3's in fish oil can help strengthen your nails also. Have your doctor check them out and do a couple blood tests if he/she thinks it's necessary.