Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is rarely a cause of back pain, but can be problematic in rare instances. In far more cases, the condition is completely asymptomatic or will simply create focal areas of tightness and an overall lack of flexibility in affected areas of the spine.
The condition is typically referred to using the acronym DISH, since the name is long and complicated to laymen. However, when we look at the nomenclature, the meaning is actually very simple from the diagnosis. Diffuse means that the condition will be widespread over a large area of the body. Idiopathic simply means that the condition has no known cause. Skeletal refers to the human skeleton in this case, so we know that the condition affects the bones. Hyperostosis means the excessive and abnormal growth of bone tissue. Therefore, when put all together, these individual diagnostic terms describe a widespread condition of unknown cause that causes excessive bone and abnormal bone growth in the human skeleton.
This article defines and describes DISH, also known as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.
DISH Diagnosis
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is diagnosed using traditional medical imaging, most often consisting of x-ray films of the affected areas of the body. Excessive and abnormal bone cells will easily image on x-ray films, revealing evidence of the condition. Unlike similar conditions that produce atypical bone growth, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, DISH does not produce specific identifying features and does not seem to have hereditary disposition.
The most common location for DISH to appear is in the middle back, in the upper thoracic spine. Typically, some of the spinal ligaments will calcify to some extent, causing stiffness and reduced range of motion in the upper back. This symptomology usually causes a diagnostician to perform the imaging studies that will confirm the existence of the abnormal osteo-formation. With additional testing, other diagnoses will be ruled out, leaving the patient with a diagnosis of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.
Patients might demonstrate atypical bone growth virtually anywhere in the anatomy, including in the torso, limbs or head. Wherever this abnormal formation occurs, the possibility for symptoms exists. It should be known that the vast majority of cases occur in older people past the age of 60, but this is not a universal rule by any means.
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Symptomology
Most cases of DISH are not considered symptomatic, even if they do produce insignificant effects like chronic stiffness. Pain is rare and disabling consequences are very, very uncommon. In some cases, patients might develop dramatically reduced range of motion in affected body parts or may develop mechanical dysfunction that might cause pain.
In other cases, neurological tissue might become entrapped or compressed by areas of excessive bone growth and might become problematic. This is particular true in the spine, as well as in the hands and feet, which are also common targets for the disorder to strike.
Some cases of DISH will progress, while others are self-limiting. Doctors do not know why this occurs, much like they do not know what causes the condition in the first place. It is virtually impossible to predict which cases will require care, compared to others who will not need professional medical intervention.
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis Treatment
There are many different types of therapy that can be used by people who are indeed suffering with symptomatic DISH conditions, including both traditional and complementary medical practices that can provide relief:
Drug therapies are the most commonly used and always have side effects that degrade overall health and wellness. Patients are advised against drug treatment, unless they have no other option or have very serious symptomology for this reason.
Physical therapy and self-managed exercise can be helpful in managing stiffness and improving range of motion.
Chiropractic and massage therapy can provide some measure of relief for some patients, some locations and some conditions.
Dietary alteration is sometimes utilized, but there is little evidence that this provides any benefit that directly affects the condition.
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