You might have no signs or symptoms with DISH. For those who have signs and symptoms, the upper portion of the back (thoracic spine) is most commonly affected. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Stiffness - Stiffness may be most noticeable in the morning.
• Pain - You may feel pain in your back or in other affected areas, such as your shoulder, elbow, knee or heel.
• Loss of range of motion - You may notice this most when stretching side to side.
• Difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice - You may experience these if you have DISH in your neck.

When to see a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent pain or stiffness in any joint or in your back.

It isn't clear what causes diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, but doctors have some idea of what can increase your risk of the condition. Risk factors include:

• Sex - Men are more likely to develop DISH.
• Older age - DISH is most common in older adults, especially in people older than 50.
• Diabetes and other conditions - People with type 2 diabetes may be more likely to develop DISH than are those who don't have diabetes. Other conditions that may raise insulin levels in your body may also increase your risk, including hyperinsulinemia, prediabetes and obesity.
• Certain medications - Long-term use of medications called retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, others), which are similar to vitamin A, can increase your risk of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. It isn't clear whether high intake of vitamin A increases your risk, however.

People with DISH are at risk of certain complications, such as:

• Disability - Loss of range of motion in the affected joint can make it difficult to use that joint. For instance, DISH in your shoulder can make it difficult to use your arm.
• Difficulty swallowing - Bone spurs in the neck can put pressure on your esophagus. The pressure from bone spurs can also cause a hoarse voice or sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which you stop breathing repeatedly. Rarely, this can become serious and might require surgery to remove the bone spurs.
• Spinal fracture - DISH can increase your risk of breaking bones in your spine, especially if you have moderate to severe disease. Even minor injuries can cause fractures. Breaks may require surgery to repair.