Patient: Is Developing a Hump at Base of the Neck a Normal Sign of Aging?

Humpback postures can be partly attributed to a forward head posture. Take one lap around the mall and you will see all kinds of people whose head/neck stick out away from the rest of their body. (In fact, this is something that I have been working on myself!)

The head and neck, when pushed into this unnatural position repeatedly, will stay that way! Physical symptoms of a forward head posture include achiness in the neck, neck muscle spasms, tight muscles or a stiff neck, pain in the neck, and headaches.

Some people reinforce this posture at night by using too many neck pillows.  If this is you, STOP! Too many pillows, although seemingly more comfortable, reinforce the forward head posture! Another thing that has recently been associated with forward head posture is extended computer use. Sitting hunched over a computer or straining to see what is on the screen pushes the head and neck forward.

How can we reverse this deviance in normal posture?  First of all, check into using an orthopedic neck pillow at night.  It might take awhile to get used to, but it is much better for your neck and head than laying flat on your back and propping up on several normal pillows.  Secondly, a conscious effort will be needed on your part when working on the computer.  Sit up straight!  If you are straining to see the computer or feel the need to creep in closer with your head...I suggest an eye exam :)

Yes, this hump on the neck can be corrected but can take some time.  With a change in pillows and an effort made by you to correct the posture, you will be on your way.  Add in a few chiropractic treatments to help with the alignment problems in your spine, and you will be standing up straight, pain-free in no time!  Your chiropractor may also perform neck traction, or suggest a home traction unit for you to aid in restoring the proper "c-curve" to your neck.  And a good chiropractor will train you in exercises for the neck, head and upper back to help that posture go back to normal as well.

If you have any questions about spinal curvatures, irregular neck/head posture, chiropractic adjustments or home equipment for correcting posture, please feel free to contact me!  karrie@vandersluischiropractic.com

And, as always, if you have any other health related questions, just e-mail me and I will post my answers in my next blog.  Have a great rest of the week!

Dr. Karrie