Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 8/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I believe I have developed what's called a "buffalo hump" where my neck meets my upper spine.  I noticed it a few years ago, but didn't think much of it.  I was going through menopause at the time and had gained about 15 lbs. initially, and was also spending a great deal of time at the computer taking online courses, so I attributed this odd pad of fat to all of those things.  I'm now 54 and postmenopausal, and have gained an additional 10 lbs. in the past 2 years, bringing my current weight to about 165-168 on my 5'5" frame.  I am still at my computer for 8-10 hrs./day working as a medical transcriptionist, so it's not like I can give up computers if this is the cause of this hump.  I do get occasional tightness and aching in this area (after sitting at the computer for long spans), and I do experience some lower back pain on and off as well.  I have recently started dieting and want to lose 25-30 pounds, and I also exercise on a stationary bicycle 3-4 times/week, and walk for 30 mins./day whenever I can fit it in.  I also have hypertension which developed at the onset of menopause, along with the weight gain, for which I take metoprolol, benazepril and hctz at present.

My question to you is:  Could there be a medical cause for this hump other than what I'm thinking?  Could it be related to posture only and/or perhaps the weight gain?
Would you recommend I see a DC or MD for this and what should I expect?

Thank you!

ANSWER: Nikki,

Your hump, also called a Dowager's hump, is genetic. You inherited this.   There is no known cure or treatment.  It is not a pathology.   Your posture, in general, may be a totally separate subject.  Losing weight and exercising, and focussing on improving your spine flexibility all contribute to better posture.  However, it may not change the look of the hump unless you were very obese and lost a significant amount of weight, and at 165 that's not an issue.  
As for aches and pains, go see the DC.   You can find information on how to find a good one on my web site: www.drgillman.com under Info/how-to.

'Best,

Dr. G

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.  However, I don't believe I have a Dowager's hump, as you referenced.  From all descriptions and images I have seen, this does not match my issue, and upon further research I think I've been able to identify it as a "cervicodorsal" hump.  

Can you recommend a treatment or some type of exercise that may help with this problem?

Thank you.  

Answer
Nikki,

"cervicodorsal" is just a description of the location of the hump, literally, at the junction between the neck and the upper back.  Dowager's hump, Widow's Hump, Cervicodorsal Hump all are similar.  There are different extents to which you can have these.  Some go get big and with a big, fleshy pad over the top.  Also, the last vertebra of the neck sticks out more than the others.  It is called the "vertebra promenens," literally the most prominent vertebra.  Often people will point this out on their backs, feeling like they have a tumor or something out of sorts, when it's simply a prominent vertebal "spinous process" that juts out more than the others.   My previous comments are still relevant.

Dr. G