What causes the hump at the base of your neck

Have you noticed a hump at the base of your neck? You’re not alone. We often get questions from patients about what the hump is and what can be done to reduce it.
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This hump is referred to as Dowager’s hump, hyperkyphosis or a hunchback and is characterized by forward head posture, rounding of the upper back and excess fatty tissue being laid down at the base of the neck.
 
Your spine has three natural curves when viewed from the side. The C-shaped curves of the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) are called a lordosis while the reverse C-shaped curve of the middle back (thoracic) is called a kyphosis.  In a normal spine, the thoracic curve measures between 35-45 degrees, but with a hyperkyphosis the curve is greater than 50 degrees.  It is this excess curvature that gives the appearance of a hump.
 
The most common causes of Dowager’s hump include:

• Poor posture - Slouched positions can lead to weakened back muscles and tight chest muscles that cause the shoulders and head to be pulled forward and the upper back to round.
• Spinal conditions – During osteoporosis bone density decreases and can cause spinal segments (vertebrae) to collapse forward and the back to round. Another cause includes Scheuermann’s disease, which is a condition where the spine fails to develop normally during adolescence resulting in excess spinal curvature.

 
People are usually most concerned about the physical unattractiveness of their hump. However, we also need to be aware that it can negatively impact our spinal function and cause the following:

• Chronic neck, back or shoulder pain
• Migraines and headaches
• Reduced neck and shoulder movement
• Breathing problems
• Digestive symptoms

 
Chiropractors may be able to help a Dowager’s hump resulting from poor posture. Our hands on treatment can improve spinal motion and reduce muscular tension and we can also provide exercises to help correct poor posture combined with lifestyle advice to improve postural habits.
 
To get you started, here are our top 3 stretches to help rehabilitate posture and reduce the appearance of a hump. 

• Doorway Pectoral Stretch
  • Stand with your feet in the middle of a doorway and place your forearms on either side of the frame.
  • Gently lean your bodyweight forward until you feel a stretch through the front of your chest/shoulders.
  • Hold this position for 1 minute 

 

• Posture Pole/rolled up towel stretch
  • Grab a posture pole (1/2 a foam roller), or a towel folded in half and rolled into a cylinder.
  • Put it on the floor and lie down on your back with the pole/towel between your shoulder blades.
  • Lie in this position for as long as comfortable, usually between 10-15 mins.

 

• Chin Tucks     
  • Sit up straight looking directly ahead.
  • Place 2 fingers on your chin and gently push your chin backwards so you feel a stretch at the top of your neck
  • Hold this position for 5 seconds and then relax. Repeat this 10x

 
If you are concerned about your neck hump and you would like to know more about how to help it, chat to one of our Chiropractors.