Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

I am a 33 year old female. I had a cervical MRI and was reading my report. I know that hypertrophy is arthritis, but I am not sure what "uncovertebral hyperostosis is? The report also said I have some encroachment onto the corresponding left C4-5 and C5-6 neural foramina. I also have bulging discs, and a bone spur found on my cervical spine on the left near the hyperostosis area.

I also have trouble with my lumbar spine- a bulging and torn disc, scoliosis, facet arthritis and degenerative facet disease, sciatica, and some nerve dysfunction that was proved through a nerve conduction test and an EMG. On top of this, I had a bone spur removed from my shoulder through a surgery.

I did some searching on the term "Hyperostosis" and only came up with information on a disease called "Forestier Disease" or Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH). Is anyone familiar with this? It seems to fit what's going on with me very well despite that fact that I am not male and in my 50's. I was worried for a long time that I had Ankylosing Spondylitis as my father has Reiter's Syndrome and I know that it's possible that I could have the gene that would make me susceptible to it, but I've had doctors rule out AS already.

Every time I get a new MRI, I seem to degenerate more each time. My range of motion in my neck seems to be affected on one side. I have similar issues with my lumbar spine as well and I have lost feeling in my left foot. My Rheumatologist told me it's only going to get worse. Anyhow, I am just wondering if my symptoms sound like a possible match for an early onset of DISH?

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Friend,
DISH is a type of disease where these is increased bone formation especially in the spine resulting in the loss of space (within the discs), thus causing loss of movements, hence inevitable leads to joint arthritis (pain and loss of motion).
Only a treating Orthopaedician (specializing in spine)  can help you in this disease.
Please get an appointment on priority and then lets discuss and act as per his advice.
Regards.
Please ask specific questions, if you feel like asking...

[dustybrown]

I am being sent for another MRI (my last one was 1.5 years old) and an epidural injection to see if it helps with the pain. This radiologist I am being sent to has better imaging equipment, so I am hoping he will be able to tell if I am just suffering from degenerative disc disease and degenerative facet disease and osteoarthritis, like I have in my lower back rather than something more serious than the DISH that I am worried about due to my family history.

I am so young I am hoping I can handle some of the symptoms with less evasive therapies like medication and injections until I absolutely have no other course of action. Years ago I did see an ortho doctor, but at the time I wasn't this bad, so I was just diagnosed with DDD and sent for physical therapy, which didn't help. Since then things have gotten worse.

I hope I am not developing DISH. I will let you know what the new MRI results say. Thanks for your help.
-Dusty

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Dusty,
All the best. Do post as a new question, once your MRI results are out so that we can continue our discussion in this context.
Regards

[TJ1268]

A related discussion, Early Onset DISH was started.