Catherine from St. Albert asks: Does rheumatology treat connective tissue diseases? What about DISH?
Rheumatologists do treat Connective Tissue Diseases (CTDs), such as lupus, Sjogren’s, myositis, scleroderma and more. More and more, we have renamed this group of conditions as systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Sometimes there is confusion about another group of CTDs which cause hypermobile joints or genetic conditions such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome. While rheumatologists occasionally will see these latter conditions, it is not within their scope of practice. Rheumatologists will diagnose DISH (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis), which is a form of osteoarthritis of the back. Ultimately, DISH is managed similar to mechanical back pain and osteoarthritis, with a focus on decreasing pain and improving function.
Posted: August 3, 2026
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