How Do You Fix Your Neck Hump?

Causes， symptoms， and how to say good-bye to it forever

MoveU sent this email to their subscribers on February 7, 2024.

Ever wondered about that subtle curve in your upper back or the occasional discomfort in your neck? It might be the notorious neck hump (also known as\xa0"Dowager's Hump"). In this blog, we'll unravel\xa0the reasons behind it, symptoms, and most importantly, how to say good-bye to it forever.

Understanding the Neck Hump

A neck hump, colloquially referred to as the "hunchback look," is a\xa0kyphotic\xa0(rounded forward) upper spine. Poor posture is typically to blame, especially when the head is shifted forward in front of the body. Fortunately, it's a condition that can be addressed with active intervention and lifestyle changes.

Common Causes

The most common culprit behind a Dowager's Hump is weak upper back and neck muscles paired with tight neck and chest muscles. Sitting for hours slumped at a desk or over a phone — hello,\xa0text neck\xa0— further solidifies this rounding of the spine.

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Other possible causes include osteoporosis, fractures of the spine,\xa0Scheuermann's disease, congenital (birth) defects, and disc degeneration.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Take a side video or photo of yourself at your desk or seated in a chair. Sit as you normally would if you weren’t on camera. Notice your head position. Is it shifted forward in front of your shoulders? Is there a visible hump or rounding of the upper back and shoulders? Even without images, experiencing pain in the upper back and neck are common indicators of a misalignment that can lead to a neck hump.

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