Complications

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 during sleep. 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 might require surgery to repair.