A dowager’s hump is an outdated term that is used to describe a hump or a bump around the neck region, causing the individual to walk with a hunched appearance. The term dowager is used to describe an elderly widowed woman, so the term dowager’s hump is thought to be in reference to an older woman who now has a slightly hunched appearance as a result of a degenerative spinal curvature disorder.
Nowadays the condition is simply referred to as kyphosis, and it affects both men and women alike. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why you may develop a hump or a hunched appearance at the neck as a result of a spinal curvature disorder, and how to best treat the problem.
Causes And Symptoms Of A Dowager’s Hump
A kyphotic curve in the spine occurs when a problem leads to excessive rounding of the upper portion of your spine. This leads to a more hunched appearance and can make it harder to stop the progression of the curvature disorder. That’s because poor posture is one of the most common risk factors of a dowager’s hump. If you’re excessively hunched forward, like you might be if you are looking at a computer screen or staring down at your phone, you could be putting stress on your spine that eventually contributes to a curvature disorder.
However, it’s not just these modern technologies that cause posture problems and lead to kyphosis. After all, many men and women dealt with dowager’s humps long before these devices were invented. Poor posture during any activity can put increased strain on the upper part of your spine, increasing your risk of a curvature disorder. Kyphosis can also develop as a result of osteoporosis-related spinal degeneration. When bones gradually wear down, they become slightly more mobile. This allows them to move past their normal range of motion, and this excessive motion, combined with the degenerative bone, can lead to spinal curvature issues.
Aside from the notable visual appearance, signs and symptoms of kyphosis include:
- Fatigue
- Mild back pain
- Stiffness in the back and neck
- Loss of range of motion
- Tight hamstrings
- Gait problems
- Balance issues
Diagnosing and Treating Dowager’s Hump
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, or you’ve noticed that your natural posture appears slouched, sync up with a spine specialist like Dr. Sinicropi. He’ll begin by reviewing your medical chart and asking about your symptoms. He’ll also conduct a physical exam to take a closer look at the appearance of your back and neck, and during this time he may have you perform some movement exercises. Finally, he may confirm the location of the spinal curvature through an imaging test like an X-ray or MRI.
Treatment will focus on preventing the progression of the curve and managing your current symptoms. For those with a mild curve, physical therapy, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications and posture fixes may be all that you keep to prevent progression and make daily life more manageable. When the condition develops in older individuals, this tends to be the optimal route, as surgery can be a little more risky. In a younger patient, a minimally invasive fusion procedure may be more common to help get the spine back on the right track and to provide a more long-term solution to their discomfort. Your doctor will talk to you about your options based on your individual needs.
So if you have noticed that a parent or a loved one has started walking with a hunched appearance, consider having their back examined by a specialist, especially if it’s causing pain. In the greater Twin Cities area, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute.
