Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) , also known as Forestier’s disease is characterized by spinal pain presumed to be caused by the extensive amount of calcification that occurs within the spinal ligaments in the condition.  The condition can also cause calcification in the enthesis or attachments of tendons and ligaments in the peripheral joints.  In others words the condition is radiographically characterized by diffuse calcification at many of the fibro-osseous junctions throughout the body (junction where tendons/ligaments attach to the bones).  The most common symptoms people with this condition suffer from are pain and stiffness in the neck, upper and lower backs.  The pain is typically increased with movement.

While physiotherapy and exercise can help to some degree, in the cases I have personally seen a treated, to overcome the condition whereby the person gets back to essentially full functioning ability with limited or no symptomotology the person has needed Prolotherapy in the affected area as well as comprehensive natural medicine.  Prolotherapy is needed to resolve the pain and natural medicine is needed to abate or control the calcification. 

Typically patients who suffer from DISH are put on Anti-inflammatory medication which decrease the pain but in my experience this is not a good long term solution.  A better solution is to correct the underlying physiology that has made the person have so much systemic inflammation in the first place, then to strengthen the fibroosseous junctions with Prolotherapy to eliminate the pain.  Typically findings on natural medicine testing involve acidic blood (which would cause calcium, one of the main alkaline buffers to be pulled from the bones and then deposited everywhere), food sensitivities (causing systemic inflammation), and low hormone levels (thus the person is tired, fatigued and doesn’t heal well).  Prolotherapy is typically done once a month for around six visits for most cases.

While DISH can not technically be cured, the condition can sure be abated and the symptoms resolved with Prolotherapy and a comprehensive natural medicine approach. 

George a client that we have known for many years (hasn’t been seen in at least two years, is a typical case).  He came in with the diagnosis of DISH and had significant low back pain and stiffness.  He had tried various anti-inflammatory medications but they weren’t helping anymore.  He underwent Hauser Diet Typing, food sensitivity blood testing and comprehensive hormone testing.  He was placed on a hypoallergenic diet and had to increase his protein and decrease his carbohydrates as his blood pH was low (Hauser Otter diet).  He was placed initially on testosterone cream, natural cortisol and DHEA.  He underwent three Prolotherapy treatments to his lower back, once per week and by the fourth visit he was off of all pain medication except a little acetaminophen.  He ended up with five visits total.  He did the natural hormone replacement for one year and then was just on proper diet and supplements (Prolo Max and Prolo Support Pack).   He has been doing fine with diet and supplements for over two years and feels he is back to full activities (for him).
 

If you or a loved one suffers from diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), Prolotherapy and comprehensive natural medicine is a treatment you should consider.