
- Stiffness:
- Most common in the morning or after periods of inactivity, particularly in the mid-back or lower back.
- Pain:
- Often mild but can occur in the back, neck, or other affected areas.
- Reduced Range of Motion:
- Difficulty bending or twisting the spine.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia):
- In severe cases, new bone growth in the neck (cervical spine) can compress the esophagus.
- Occasional Tingling or Weakness:
- Rarely, excessive bone growth can compress nerves.
Who Is Affected by DISH?
- Age:
- Most common in people over 50 years old.
- Gender:
- More prevalent in men than women.
- Risk Factors:
- Obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., retinoids).