What is that “Hump” on my Neck
I am often asked “What is that Hump on my neck?” Many patients come into our office with a “puffy” “hump” or “swelling” at the base of the neck. Often times they think that it is because they have gained weight. It is true that weight gain is often seen at the base of the neck but in most cases, this is not the primary cause.
The answer to the question “What is that Hump on my neck’ is most often spinal stress leading to swelling and inflammation. In this blog we will discuss the most common causes and best treatments. for what is usually referred to as a Dwenger’s Hump or Kyphosis.
Symptoms of Kyphosis
- Rounded shoulder aka anterior shoulders
- Stiffness or upper back pain
- Fatigue with sitting or standing
- Tight hamstrings or posterior leg muscles
Most Common Causes of Kyphosis
- Spinal stress from looking down at a computer, texting aka “Text Neck”, and poor posture
- Carrying a heavy backpack, slouching in front of the TV or Gaming
- Auto Accidents
- Sleeping with poor posture
- Osteoporosis
- Cushing’s Dx.
How Kyphosis is Diagnosed
- History and Physical Exam from a Chiropractor or Medical Doctor who treats the Spine
- Visual Observation
- X-Rays, CT Scan, MRI
Best Treatment for Kyphosis
- Chiropractic Care in my opinion is the first think you should try because we are the least invasive. Chiropractors are trained in addressing spinal stress from poor posture which is typically the root cause. In our office we usually see a 50% reduction in the size of the superficial hump in 1-2 weeks.
- Physical Therapy is also a good option as they are trained in addressing muscular imbalances as a result from poor posture and stress on the spine.
- Medical Care is indicated in my opinion when other non-invasive treatments have failed, or the pain is severe and non-relenting including with sleep. This can be a sign of cancer or compression fractures from osteoporosis or other bone diseases.
Our Office
- Reed Chiropractic has been helping patients who ask what is this “Hump” on my neck for 22+ years. If you would like to come in and have us evaluated your hump and let you know the cause and treatment option for you, then call 480-785-1355 or click ReedChiropractic.com.
