Question

I have just been diagnosed with D.I.S.H and I am a female and only 44 years old. I am just wondering if this condition gets worse over time? I am exercising and working but this is concerning me. Thank you. for any help.

Answer

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: Abbreviated as DISH. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a form of degenerative arthritis, characteristically associated with flowing calcification along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine and commonly associated with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of the tendons at their attachments points to bone. Because areas of the spine and tendons can become inflamed, antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such ibuprofen can be helpful in both relieving pain and inflammation. Forestier's disease is often called DISH or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. It is a variant of degenerative arthritis of the spine in which large bony spurs (osteophytes) form on the vertebrae and in severe cases causing narrowing of the spinal canal with cord compression, difficulty swallowing (pushes on the esophagus) and decreased range of motion. Treatment is surgical if these problems occur.
 

The conversion of ligamental tissue to bone usually extends along the sides of the vertebrae of the spine. (This may be called flowing calcification.) Also, DISH is associated with inflammation (tendinitis) and calcification of the tendons, especially at the points at which the tendon attaches to the bones. When this happens, the patient is said to have developed bone spurs, especially in the heel and ankles (heel spurs).
 

DISH is often found in association with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. The exact cause of DISH is not known, but people who have been overweight since childhood may be at greater risk of developing the disease.
 

This condition is kept under control with appropriate prescribed medications and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight control, eating healthily and no smoking. Your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs - pronounced EN-seds) to reduce pain and the inflammation of tendons and ligaments. Your doctor may also recommend a drug to lower your risk of developing stomach problems (e.g. bleeding) as a result of using an NSAID. It is important to stay active and get regular exercise. Walking, stretching and yoga are good exercises for managing the symptoms of DISH. Walking is considered a good form of exercise for the disease. Stretching or yoga can also help, as can aerobic exercise programs suited to the patient's age and capabilities. Individualized physiotherapy programs appear to help some people with DISH when their symptoms are particularly bad. Overall, the objective of exercise for people with DISH is to regularly stretch the ligaments affected by the disease in order to keep them functioning properly and to help reduce inflammation.
 

This condition is kept under control with appropriate prescribed medications and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight control, eating healthily and no smoking. Your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs - pronounced EN-seds) to reduce pain and the inflammation of tendons and ligaments. Your doctor may also recommend a drug to lower your risk of developing stomach problems (e.g. bleeding) as a result of using an NSAID. It is important to stay active and get regular exercise. Walking, stretching and yoga are good exercises for managing the symptoms of DISH. Walking is considered a good form of exercise for the disease. Stretching or yoga can also help, as can aerobic exercise programs suited to the patient's age and capabilities. Individualized physiotherapy programs appear to help some people with DISH when their symptoms are particularly bad. Overall, the objective of exercise for people with DISH is to regularly stretch the ligaments affected by the disease in order to keep them functioning properly and to help reduce inflammation.
 

To help you manage any pain and stiffness you experience with DISH here are some self-care measures which may be helpful.
 

Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, can increase your endurance, keep your body more nimble and help you cope with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Talk with your doctor before you start an exercise program. For pain apply heat. Use a heating pad on areas of your body that are affected by DISH to reduce pain. Set the heating pad at a low setting so that it's warm, not hot. Wheat bags are another option. These are simply cloth bags filled with wheat grain. and heated to a tolerable heat in the microwave ( with a cup of water along side them so they don't burn ) and apply them to painful sites i.e. to give relief but not mottle the skin. They can be used whilst in bed or sitting in a chair. If you are over weight it is important to lose excess weight and maintain normal weight as extra weight places an added load on painful joints.
 

Related Links
What is DISH
DISH