Do You have Upper Back/Neck Hump A.K.A DOWAGER HUMP ? Read this!!

Dowager's hump, also known as kyphosis or hyperkyphosis, is a condition characterized by an excessive outward curvature of the upper back. It typically affects older adults, especially women, and is often caused by a combination of factors such as age-related changes in bone density and poor posture.

 

What are the causes of it?

The etiology, or the cause, of dowager's hump is often multifactorial and can be influenced by a combination of factors, such as:

 Age-related changes: As people age, their bone density and muscle mass decrease, making them more susceptible to fractures and vertebral compression.

 Osteoporosis: A condition where the bones become porous and fragile, making them more prone to fractures. Vertebral compression fractures can contribute to the development of dowager's hump.

 Poor posture: Slouching, leaning forward, and spending prolonged periods in a seated position can contribute to spinal curvature and the development of dowager's hump.

 Muscle weakness: Weakness in the muscles that support the spine can cause it to curve and contribute to dowager's hump.

 Genetics: Some people may be more predisposed to developing dowager's hump due to genetic factors.

 Hormonal changes: Changes in hormonal levels, particularly in women after menopause, can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis and dowager's hump.

 Certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, can contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of developing dowager's hump.

 Overall, the development of dowager's hump is often a complex interplay between these and other factors.

 How to evaluate Neck Hump ?

 When evaluating a patient with suspected dowager's hump, a healthcare provider may recommend a number of investigations to help determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some useful investigations may include:

 X-rays: X-rays can help to identify spinal curvature and detect fractures or bone abnormalities in the spine.

 Bone density scans: A bone density scan, such as a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, can help to evaluate bone density and detect osteoporosis, which is a common cause of dowager's hump.

 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI can help to evaluate the soft tissue structures of the spine and identify any abnormalities, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, that may be contributing to dowager's hump.

 Blood tests: Blood tests can be useful in identifying any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to dowager's hump, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin D deficiency.

 The specific investigations recommended may vary depending on the individual patient and their medical history, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

How to fix it?

The treatment options for dowager's hump depend on the underlying cause, severity of the condition, and individual patient factors. Some common treatment options include:

Physical therapy and exercises: Physical therapy can help improve posture and strengthen the muscles that support the spine, which can help alleviate pain and improve spinal alignment. Exercises such as stretching, resistance training, and range-of-motion exercises can also be helpful. click this link to see videos of exercises.

https://knowyoursspine.blogspot.com/2023/03/exercises-to-improve-postural-kyphosis.html

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with dowager's hump. In more severe cases, prescription pain medications may be necessary.

Medications: Medications such as bisphosphonates may be used to help increase bone density and reduce the risk of further vertebral compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis.

Lifestyle modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can help reduce the risk of further spinal curvature.

 In addition to the treatment options mentioned earlier, here are some other suggestions that may be helpful in managing or preventing dowager's hump:

Prevention is also an important aspect of treatment for dowager's hump. This includes maintaining good posture, engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Ergonomic modifications: Making ergonomic modifications to your work or home environment can help improve posture and reduce the risk of developing spinal curvature. This may include using an ergonomic chair, adjusting the height of your desk, and using a supportive mattress and pillow.

Bracing: In some cases, a back brace may be recommended to help support the spine and prevent further spinal curvature.

Balance and fall prevention: Older adults with osteoporosis or other risk factors for dowager's hump are more prone to falls and fractures, which can contribute to spinal curvature. Taking steps to improve balance and prevent falls, such as participating in regular exercise and using assistive devices, can help reduce the risk of injury.

Nutritional supplements: In addition to a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, some people may benefit from taking nutritional supplements to support bone health. This may include calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements, or other bone-supportive supplements such as magnesium, vitamin K, or strontium.

Mind-body practices: Mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation may help improve posture, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being, which can contribute to spinal health.

The specific treatment plan recommended for an individual patient will depend on their individual needs and medical history, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

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