[4] Rarely, large anterior cervical spine osteophytes may affect the esophagus or the larynx and cause pain, difficulty swallowing[5][6] or even dyspnea.

It increases the risk of unstable fractures involving the intervertebral disc and the calcified/ossified ligaments which influences the need for surgical treatment.

The distinctive radiological feature of DISH is the continuous linear calcification along the antero-medial aspect of the thoracic spine.

The disease can spread to any joint of the body, affecting the neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, pelvis, knees, ankles, and hands.

DISH has no indication of a genetic link, is primarily thoracic and does not affect organs other than the lungs, and only indirectly due to the fusion of the rib cage.

Symptoms of pain and stiffness may be treated with conservative measures, analgesic medications (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and physical therapy.

[14] In extraordinary cases where calcification or osteophyte formation is causing severe and focal symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or nerve impingement, surgical intervention may be pursued.