Dowagers Hump
One of the concerns some people have are when they notice in themselves or others a slight hump or curve of the spine right at the top of the back, where the back meets the neck. When it is pronounced enough it is called a dowagers hump, or more accurately a hyper kyphosis. I thought I would write this little blog to address this postural concern.
A dowager’s hump is characterized by an excessive curvature of the upper spine which leads to the appearance of a rounded back. This usually develops gradually over time and so is more common in elderly adults but can affect younger people as well.
Symptoms
Visible rounding of the upper back
Neck pain or stiffness
Reduced range of motion of the neck and/or shoulders
Headaches from muscle tension
Muscle fatigue
Causes of Dowagers Hump
Poor posture – This is the most common cause and usually involves poor seated posture at a computer or on your phone. When the upper back slouches and the head drops forward this can cause pain and tension in the muscles. Over time the structure of the spine can change leading to a dowager’s hump.
Osteoporosis – Reduced bone density can lead to a kind of fracture known as a wedge fracture. This is where the front of the vertebrae collapses slightly, but the back of it maintains its height giving it a wedge like structure. This can cause the back to look hunched forward especially if there are multiple wedge fractures in the same area.
Degenerative changes – Osteoarthritis can also cause structural changes to the spine which can cause a dowager’s hump.
Scheuermann’s kyphosis – This condition affects teenagers and causes wedging of the vertebrae, leading to a hunched posture.
Genetic factors – There is a hereditary component to dowager’s hump so if you have relatives with it then you may be susceptible to developing a dowagers hump yourself. There are lot’s of things you can do to help prevent that though! So let’s have a look at treatment and prevention.
In Summary
If you already have a dowager’s hump, don’t despair. While it can be challenging, many people find relief and improvement through a combination of the treatments mentioned above. The key is to stay proactive about your spine health and seek professional guidance tailored to your condition.
A dowager’s hump can impact both your appearance and your quality of life, but with the right approach, it is manageable. By focusing on good posture, regular exercise, and professional care, you can prevent its progression and even improve your spine’s health. If you have concerns about a dowager’s hump, consider scheduling a consultation with a healthcare provider to explore your options.
If you would like more personalized advice or treatment options, feel free to book an appointment with us at Shield Chiropractic. We’re here to help!
