Hi, I'm TeriC! I have Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), anyone else experienced this?

TeriC

Hello! I went for my annual physical and complained a bit about my low back pain. An lumbar MRI determined that I have D.I.S.H. A form of arthritis. The doctor sent me to physical therapy and now my thoracic area tightens up and cramps terribly, especially when I’m at work on my computer. 4mg of muscle relaxer does nothing. Eventually, it works it’s way out, only to return the next day. This is horrible. I thought my mild back pain and stiffness would go away, I never dreamed that I’d feel worse. It seems any exercise is too much. I also have muscle twitches mainly in my legs. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks so much!

Cher_Alumni

Hello @TeriC and a warm welcome to our online community.  I'm sorry you join us while experiencing this pain, it doesn't sound fun at all.  

I wasn't familiar with D.I.S.H. and found this information webpage from Versus Arthritis handy, which describes it as:

... a condition that causes ligaments to become calcified and hard. It usually affects the ligament around the spine, but it can also affect other areas of the body where ligaments join to bone (entheses). We don’t know what causes DISH. For many people it doesn’t cause any symptoms and it may only be noticed by your doctor by chance when X-rays are taken for another reason. The bones look like they have ‘overgrown’ on x-rays.

I wonder if speaking with the Versus Arthritis free helpline might be helpful to get their tailored, specialist input?

In the mean-time, I've tweaked the title of your thread to help make it more visible to any other members who have DISH and wish you well.  Please let us know how you get on.  I have my fingers crossed for you getting some relief from the pain soon.  

trevorcohen

I too have been diagnosed with Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) After complaining about the chronic pain i have been suffering for several months. 

elahrairah

that sounds horrible, my sympathies.

Tori_Scope

How are you feeling about your diagnosis @trevorcohen?