Do you sometimes feel like your body is a little stiff, especially when you wake up in the morning, and it's hard to bend your back or neck? Or do your joints hurt a little? Maybe you think this is something that happens as you get older. But, not all stiffness and pain are normal. Today we are going to talk about a condition that has a long name, but is seen in many people, especially after the age of 50. That is (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis) , which we also call (DISH) for short.
So what is this (DISH)? Simply put...
Okay, DISH, to put it simply, is a type of arthritis. But what happens in this is that new bone tissue grows in addition to the soft tissues in our body. Imagine, the ligaments in our body, the bands that hold the joints together, the soft parts around the joints, become as hard as stone .
This name has three words. "Hyperostosis" refers to excessive bone growth. In DISH, calcium deposits build up in the soft tissues that are attached to our skeleton. This calcium deposit causes the soft tissues to gradually turn into bone (ossification). It's like a little bit of flesh turning to stone.
"Diffuse" means that this process can occur anywhere in the body. But it most often starts along our spine , especially in the middle, that is, at the chest level (thoracic spine). "Idiopathic" means that it occurs without an exact cause .
This condition (DISH) can cause muscle and bone pain, mobility problems, and other problems. The new bone growth can cause bone spurs. These can become like thorns and interfere with the proper functioning of our joints.
Are DISH and Forestier disease the same thing?
No, another name for DISH is Forestier's disease . It was named after a doctor who first described the condition in the 1950s. It was later, in 1975, that Resnick and his team used the more specific name Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis. So, even though they are called by two names, they are talking about the same thing.
How common is this condition called (DISH)?
DISH is actually a very common condition among older people . It is usually less common before the age of 40. However, about 40% of people over the age of 50 may suffer from this condition. Also, men are twice as likely to develop it as women. So, as you can see, this is not an uncommon disease.
What are the symptoms of DISH? How do you know?
Not everyone with DISH has major symptoms. Some people can go for years without experiencing any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, the most common symptoms are general stiffness and pain . Back and neck pain are particularly common. You may feel this more when you first get up in the morning and in cold weather . You may also experience a loss of range of motion , such as difficulty bending and straightening your arms.
DISH usually first affects the spine and midsection, but it can later affect other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. You may experience joint pain or tendonitis in these areas:
- In the shoulders
- In the hips
- In the elbows
- In the knees
- In the ankles
- In heels
Sometimes symptoms start when new bone growths, called bone spurs, put pressure on a nearby nerve . This can cause some severe pain. This pain can be especially severe when you move your body in a certain way or put pressure on a certain area.
A pinched nerve can also cause the following:
- Numbness or tingling
- Like pins and needles
- Muscle weakness
Imagine, if your cervical spine develops extra bone like this and it starts to press against your esophagus or throat , things like this can happen:
- Hoarseness
- Swallowing difficulties
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Why does this (DISH) occur? What are the causes?
Doctors and researchers are still trying to figure out what exactly causes DISH. However, there are several factors that are thought to contribute to it. However, it is not yet clear how they are related.
- Metabolism : Many people with DISH also have a condition called metabolic syndrome . This is a group of conditions that are related to each other and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Examples include diabetes, high insulin levels, high uric acid levels, high cholesterol, and obesity.
- Genetics : Some people with DISH have a special marker in their genes called HLA-B8 . This genetic marker has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes. DISH is not considered an autoimmune disease, but many people with DISH also have diabetes.
- Inflammation : DISH is actually considered a type of arthritis that is less inflammatory . That is, it is not caused by inflammation that occurs spontaneously, like in autoimmune diseases. However, it is thought that some low-level inflammation may be involved. Perhaps this inflammation is what starts the process of calcium deposition.
- Growth factors : Excess levels of things like human growth hormone (HGH), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in our bodies can cause hyperostosis in DISH. Growth factors are proteins and hormones that "tell" our bodies to make new tissue.
Who is at higher risk of developing (DISH)?
You are more likely to develop DISH if these factors apply to you:
- If you are over 50 years old.
- If you are a man.
- If there are other types of arthritis.
- If you have metabolic syndrome.
How serious can this condition called (DISH) be?
Not everyone with DISH has major problems. Some people don't even realize they have it. However, in some severe cases , DISH can cause serious complications.
Some of these complications are:
- Neck compression : A bony protrusion in your cervical spine can compress your esophagus or throat. This can make it difficult to swallow, talk, and breathe. This can be especially bad at night. Sleep apnea can cause low oxygen levels in the body, putting pressure on the heart (hypoxia).
- Spinal fractures and instability : (DISH) causes the spine to become stiff, making it more likely to break . Even a minor fall or accident (low-energy impact) can break or dislocate a vertebra in your spine. This can make your spine unstable, increasing your risk of further injury.
- Spinal cord compression : In severe cases, bone spurs or large bone spurs along the spine can compress the spinal cord . This can cause nerve pain conditions like sciatica and other neurological symptoms called myelopathy . In the worst case, paralysis can occur.
Think of it like an old, dried-out wooden stick. It's a little inflexible, so it can easily break with even the slightest pressure. The spine of the (DISH) is like that.
How do I find out if there are doctors (DISH)?
Doctors use imaging tests to check for DISH. This can be found with a regular X -ray or ultrasound . If more details are needed, a CT scan (computed tomography scan) may be done.
Radiologists, that is, doctors who look at things like X-rays and CT scans, look for "flowing ossifications." That is, whether there is excessive bone growth in three or four vertebrae in a row, or whether the ligaments along the bones are tight. This looks like wax leaking from a candle on the X-ray.
If you have symptoms elsewhere in your body, they will look for signs of the disease in those areas as well. There may be calcium deposits in the joints or ligaments where bones connect (entheses).
They also look for signs that can help distinguish DISH from similar conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis . Sometimes, these other conditions can coexist with DISH.
What are the treatments for DISH?
There is no cure for DISH. However, physical therapy , or exercise therapy, can help reduce stiffness and increase range of motion. A physical therapist can recommend low-impact exercises that you can do at home.
To reduce pain, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Your doctor can prescribe painkillers if needed. Cortisone shots can also be given to specific areas of pain.
Your doctor will monitor your condition and watch for complications such as fractures. Sometimes, they may prescribe a type of medication called bisphosphonates to help prevent or heal fractures.
If the nerve is starting to become compressed, either due to overgrowth or bone spurs, and you are experiencing new pain or other symptoms, you may need to have surgery to relieve the pressure. Even broken bones sometimes need to be repaired with surgery.
What is the future of someone with (DISH)?
(DISH) usually starts later in life, so it gets worse slowly . It can take up to 10 years for symptoms to appear. Starting a treatment plan as soon as symptoms appear can help keep them under control.
If DISH is severe, it can be disabling , interfering with daily activities and being comfortable. Serious complications are rare. If they occur, they can be treated with surgery.
Is there a way to prevent DISH from forming?
The exact cause of DISH is unknown, so it's difficult to prevent it. However, researchers do know that metabolic factors such as high blood sugar, high insulin levels, and high triglycerides increase the risk.
If you have an underlying metabolic condition , the best thing you can do to prevent DISH from developing is to treat those conditions properly . Even after DISH has started, treating these conditions can help prevent DISH from getting worse.
How should I take care of myself while living with (DISH)?
The best thing for people with degenerative arthritis, like DISH, is to do regular, low-impact exercise . Establishing a daily exercise routine can help you maintain your flexibility and strength for as long as possible.
By seeing your doctor regularly for check -ins, he or she can monitor your condition and how it is changing. This allows them to intervene to prevent serious complications before they occur.
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) is a condition with a long name and is still a bit of a mystery. But for you, it mainly causes pain and stiffness. Most of the time, it's mild, and some people mistake it for something that happens as you get older.
However, it's always worth telling a doctor about your symptoms. If DISH is detected early, you and your doctor can develop a plan to manage your symptoms and prevent complications.
Some things that I think are important for you (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so now you have a better understanding of what we've been talking about (DISH). Finally, here are some important things to remember:
- (DISH) is a condition in which new bone forms in the soft tissues of the body, causing stiffness and pain, especially in areas such as the back and neck.
- This is common among people over the age of 50, especially men.
- Not everyone will experience major symptoms, but if you experience morning stiffness, pain, or difficulty moving your body, tell your doctor.
- People with metabolic problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol are at higher risk of developing DISH.
- Although there is no complete cure, symptoms can be controlled with physical therapy, painkillers, and sometimes surgery.
- The most important thing is to see a doctor if you have these symptoms, and not just assume they are normal signs of aging. Early detection can help prevent many problems.
We hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!
` DISH, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis, bone disease, joint pain, back pain, neck pain, arthritis
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