Scoliosis refers to a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine, but when your spine curves forward, this is often referred to as a Dowager's Hump.
Possible neck hump causes
Some examples include: Scoliosis — This condition causes the spine to curve from side to side into an “s” or a “c” shape, rather than running in a straight line. Kyphosis — Better known as “hunchback,” this type of spinal deformity can develop over time.
The thoracic spine (middle/upper back) is most commonly affected by scoliosis. When an unnatural thoracic curve exposes the spine and its surroundings to uneven pressure, the spine can pull on the attached rib cage, causing one side to protrude more than the other, known as a rib hump or arch.
Though the conditions may be similar, they aren't exactly the same. Scoliosis is a sideways curve of your spine — often taking the shape of the letter 'S' or 'C'. Kyphosis is more of a forward rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Bad posture is the leading cause of Dowager's Hump but it's certainly not the only cause. Other possible causes include osteoporosis, a congenital problem, or Scheuermann's kyphosis. No matter the specific underlying cause, Dowager's Hump happens as a result of the weakening of muscles around your thoracic spine.
Dowager's Hump is a forward bending of the spine. This outward curvature of the upper back and compression of the front sections of the vertebrae cause a person to lean forward, slouching their shoulders and rounding their back, which in turn, creates a permanent hump on the upper back.
Spine-strengthening exercises and postural training, specifically extension and thoracic strengthening work with resistance, done regularly, can both stop the development of Dowager's Hump in its proverbial tracks, and even more encouraging, can reverse the severity of it in almost all cases.
Scoliosis can be classified by etiology: idiopathic, congenital or neuromuscular. Idiopathic scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and is usually diagnosed during puberty.
There are four types of scoliosis: congenital, idiopathic, neuromuscular, and degenerative2. In congenital scoliosis, the misalignment occurs as a result of deformed vertebrae or ribs present at birth. A variety of developmental factors can cause this deformity2.
A chiropractor 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.
Dowager's Hump Correction Brace
However, it can take as long as three months to get back if you've been habitually slouching. Keep in mind that that tool should only be used for short periods of time. A brace is exactly that — it's a brace.
Dowager's hump is estimated to affect two out five people above the age of 55. There are a number of things that can cause you to develop a Dowager's hump. The most common sources are degenerative diseases or muscle weaknesses.
Bracing and surgery are the only treatments shown to affect idiopathic scoliosis. Physical therapy, electrical stimulation, chiropractic care, or other options typically do not have an impact on scoliosis curves.
Unlike Kyphosis, Scoliosis tends more often to be a serious condition which, in most cases, progresses (sometimes rapidly) without proper treatment.
About 1 in 15 Australian girls develop some scoliosis during their growing period between 9 to 14 years, usually a year before they start menstruating. Scoliosis is less common in boys, and commonly develops a year before puberty.
Anyone can get scoliosis. However, idiopathic scoliosis, which is the most common type, usually occurs in children age 11 and older. Girls are more likely than boys to have this type of scoliosis. You are more likely to have scoliosis if your parent, brother, or sister has it.
In most cases of idiopathic scoliosis, the curve develops around the time the patient hits puberty, then continues to progress throughout their adolescence until their spine has finished growing (usually at age 16-18).
Congenital scoliosis develops in utero and is present in infancy. A rare condition, affecting 1 in 10,000, it can result from malformations in the vertebrae or other causes. In most cases the spinal curve must be corrected surgically.
Scoliosis is not hereditary and there is no single known gene responsible for the condition.
Can you reverse or cure a dowager's hump? Dr. Wilson says depending on your age and the severity, you often can improve or reverse this problem. You can accomplish this by strengthening the upper back muscles; increasing tone helps pull up the shoulders and the head.
Parental history of dowager's hump has been shown to be associated with greater kyphosis angle, suggesting there may be an inherited component to thoracic spine curvature.
They may lead to a puffy, rounded face and the characteristic hump of fatty tissue at the base of the neck.