What is a neck hump?
A neck hump, also known as a buffalo hump or dowager’s hump, is an abnormal fat deposit that develops at the base of the neck, resulting in a hump-like protrusion. It is often caused by poor posture, aging, weight gain, or medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. Though not necessarily painful, a neck hump can look and feel unsightly. Luckily, there are a variety of treatment options available to reduce or eliminate neck humps.
What causes neck humps?
There are several potential causes of neck humps:
Poor posture
Slouching, holding the neck forward, and hunching over for long periods can cause the ligaments and muscles in the neck to stretch and the spine to curve, resulting in a fat deposit at the base of the neck. Looking down at phones and computers exacerbates poor posture.
Weight gain
Fat deposits all over the body increase with weight gain, including at the back of the neck. The neck is a common site for fat accumulation.
Aging
As we age, skin becomes less elastic and fat deposits can accumulate easier. Stooping forward to look at things more closely is common with aging vision, worsening neck hump.
Genetics
Some people are predisposed to developing fat deposits on the upper back and neck area.
Medical conditions
An excess of the hormone cortisol, as seen in Cushing’s syndrome, can cause fat to build up behind the neck. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis can also contribute by changing neck curvature.
How is a neck hump diagnosed?
A neck hump is usually visually diagnosed upon examination by a doctor. They will assess factors like posture and check for signs of underlying conditions.
Some additional tests that may be done to check for potential causes include:
– Blood tests to check hormone levels
– Bone density scan for osteoporosis
– Imaging like X-ray or MRI for arthritis
Ruling out any worrisome underlying medical conditions is an important first step.
Nonsurgical treatments for neck humps
There are a variety of nonsurgical ways to improve the appearance of a neck hump. It often takes a combination of lifestyle changes, exercises, physical therapy, and medical treatments.
Improve posture
Correcting poor posture through increased awareness, stretching, and strength training can help reduce humping over time. Try:
– Not looking down at phones/laptops for long periods
– Sitting upright with shoulders back
– Sleeping on back without a high pillow
– Chin tucks and wall angels to open collarbones
– Upper back strengthening exercises like rows
– Yoga and pilates to improve flexibility
Lose weight
Slimming down overall body fat through diet and exercise can reduce fat deposits behind the neck. Losing even just 10-15 lbs can make a noticeable difference in the size of a neck hump.
Physical therapy
Working with a physical therapist can help identify problem areas contributing to poor head and neck posture. Specific stretches and exercises will be recommended. This helps strengthen muscles and retrain posture.
Home treatments
Applying warm compresses and massaging the neck area can help improve blood flow and tissue flexibility. Avoid sleeping on the stomach.
Medical treatments
If an underlying condition like Cushing’s is causing the hump, treating that may help. Cortisol-blocking drugs can reduce fat accumulation. Injecting corticosteroids directly into the hump can flatten it.
How long does nonsurgical treatment take to improve a neck hump?
It usually takes persistence over weeks and months to see improvement in a neck hump from nonsurgical treatments.
– Most people notice some difference within **2-4 weeks** of focused posture correction, exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. However, maximum results take longer.
– Continued commitment to proper posture, strength training, weight loss, and lifestyle changes over **3-6 months** can gradually reduce fat deposits and correct muscle imbalances.
– For older adults with bone/muscle issues, physical therapy over **6-12 months** may be needed to rehabilitate the neck area.
– Medical treatments like steroid injections can flatten humps more quickly, within **4-8 weeks**. Effects may not be permanent however without posture efforts.
– If poor posture is not addressed, humps may return quite quickly after any nonsurgical treatment. Ongoing maintenance is key.
While nonsurgical methods do require dedication and patience, they can be effective at shrinking neck hump size. Maximum results are usually seen in 6-12 months time depending on the individual and severity of the hump.
Surgical treatments
If nonsurgical treatments do not provide satisfactory improvement after 6-12 months, there are surgical options to remove neck humps:
Liposuction
Liposuction uses small tubes (cannulas) to suction out excess fat deposits. It can be done under local or general anesthesia. Results are seen immediately but there may be 2-4 weeks of recovery.
Kyphoplasty
This procedure uses balloons to restore height to compressed vertebrae that may be contributing to neck curvature and humping. The balloons are inserted through small incisions in the back.
Cervical spine surgery
If there are slipped cervical discs or pinched nerves in the neck, surgery may be done to decompress the spinal cord and nerves. This can help alleviate neck muscle spasms that cause hunching.
As with any surgery, there are risks including bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Proper postoperative rest and physical therapy are key to support healing.
How long does it take to see results after neck hump surgery?
The effects of neck hump removal surgery are seen almost immediately, but final results take weeks to months to fully settle:
– Liposuction removes fat right away, with a visible reduction in hump size. Swelling may obscure final results for **2-4 weeks**.
– Kyphoplasty improves neck height and curvature alignment immediately. But it takes **6-12 weeks** for tissues to fully heal and neck posture to stabilize.
– Cervical surgery relieves pressure on nerves/disks quickly but **6-12 weeks** of healing is needed to reduce muscle tightness and spasms causing hunching.
– With any procedure, maintaining proper neck posture during healing is crucial. Physical therapy helps strengthen the right muscles.
– Maximum effects are usually seen around **3-4 months** post-surgery when swelling has fully subsided and posture has improved.
Can neck humps recur after surgery?
Yes, it is possible for neck humps to return after surgical removal if the underlying cause of poor posture is not addressed. To help prevent recurrence:
– Follow all postoperative instructions carefully including rest, wearing recommended braces, attending physical therapy.
– Be vigilant about maintaining proper upright posture at all times, even after healing. Do prescribed exercises.
– Use monitors, phones, and reading materials at eye level to avoid looking down.
– Sleep on back without high pillows.
– Continue regular strength training and stretching for neck and back.
– Keep weight stable with good nutrition and exercise.
– Get periodic massages or warmth on neck muscles.
– Have follow up visits with the surgeon and notify them of any recurrence.
With dedication to healthy neck posture and strength after surgery, results can be very long lasting. But recurrence is possible if old habits creep back in. Ongoing maintenance helps sustain surgical outcomes.
Conclusion
It often takes months of hard work to shrink a neck hump nonsurgically through posture correction, exercise, weight loss, and other treatments. While the benefits accrue gradually, this avoids the risks and recovery time of surgery. If nonsurgical options do not yield satisfactory improvement within 6-12 months, surgical removal may be considered for faster reduction. However, surgery does not guarantee permanent elimination if posture that contributed to the hump is not addressed. Ongoing maintenance of proper neck alignment and strength is essential, whether tackling neck humps nonsurgically or surgically. Patience and persistence lead to the best outcome.