Posture and Dowagers Hump: What You Need to Know

If you are noticing a curve or a hump in your back, you could suffer from something called Dowagers Hump. This is a serious condition that could lead to significant back pain and range of motion issues. At Houston Spine & Rehabilitation, we can help you learn more about the causes of Dowager’s Hump, the symptoms this can cause, and how it can be treated.

What Is Dowager’s Hump?

Dowager's Hump condition is a condition that leads to an outward curvature at the top of your spine. Even though your sign is supposed to have a natural degree of curvature to it, there is an excessive amount that can develop towards the top of the spine in the cervical and thoracic region. If you feel like you are having a hard time standing straight, you may have developed a hump in your back. Even if you try to straighten up, you may find this difficult to do. This is a sign that you may have Dowager’s Hump syndrome. 

Dowager's Hump Causes?

There are several common reasons why you might have developed this condition. A few examples include: 

• Bad Posture: This is the most common cause of Dowager's Hump. It is important for you to stand up straight with your shoulders back. If you consistently lean forward, you may eventually develop a consistent hump at the top of your spine.
• Osteoporosis: Another common cause of Hump is osteoporosis. This is a medical condition that impacts the density of your bones. If your bones start to become weak, they may not be able to support your body. Therefore, you may start to lean forward, leading to Dowager's condition. 
• Chronic Medical Conditions: You might also have a chronic or congenital medical condition that increases your chances of developing Dowager's Hump. You should work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan to prevent Dowager's Hump from developing.

These are just a few of the most common causes of Dowager's Hump. The sooner this condition is diagnosed, the faster it can be treated. 

Dowager’s Hump Symptoms

Similar to other medical conditions, Dowager's Hump symptoms can vary markedly in severity depending on how severe the curvature is. A few of the most common symptoms that cut develop with this condition include: 

• An Excess Curve: This is the hallmark symptom of this condition. The top of your spine will be curved excessively, leading to a small hump in the top of your back. 
• Back Pain: You will also feel some mild back discomfort that can wax and wane in severity. Sometimes, you may not notice the discomfort at all. At other times, you may have a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning. 
• Fatigue: Because your spine is not curved correctly, the rest of your body will have to work harder to support your weight. Therefore, you may start to feel extreme fatigue in your back and legs, particularly at the end of the day.
• Trouble Breathing: If the condition is particularly severe, the excess curvature of your spine can also impact your chest cavity. This could make it harder to breathe. 

A chiropractor can help you address these symptoms effectively.

Dowager's Hump Chiropractic Treatment

The chiropractors in The Woodlands can help you treat Dowager's condition in multiple ways. The first step is to use a Dowager's Hump correction brace that can help you correct the overall curvature of your spine. It may take some time for this brace to have a significant impact on your Dowager's Hump. That is why this treatment is going to be combined with neck hump exercises that will strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine. That way, your spine will have the support it needs to remain straight.

Contact Houston Spine & Rehabilitation for Dowagers Hump Treatment in The Woodlands

If you are looking for help with the Dowager’s Hump treatment in The Woodlands, we can help you. At Houston Spine & Rehabilitation, we can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan for this condition using a combination of chiropractic care, neck hump exercises, and a Dowager’s Hump correction brace. New patients always get a free consultation, and we only recommend surgery as a last resort. Contact us today to make an appointment!