We’ve all seen the older person walking in the store with their head and neck protruding all the way forward causing a hunchback. This abnormality is called a Dowager’s Hump but if you ask your Rochester chiropractor, it is actually a hyperkyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.
The Dowager’s Hump only describes the hunchback position of the upper back, the other postural change that coincides with this is a forward head carriage where your head juts forward in front of your body. The forward head position puts significant strain on the neck - about 10lbs of force for every inch your head is forward! This extra strain can cause chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain.
The leading cause of Dowager’s Hump is poor posture over the course of time. Other causes for Dowager’s Hump include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis, or a hereditary condition. While there isn’t much that can be done to prevent these other causes, your Rochester chiropractor can help you correct your poor posture!
Many people seek treatment simply because they are worried about the physical aesthetic of the slouch and hunchback; other people seek treatment because of the aches and pains that a Dowager’s Hump can cause. Whatever the case, your chiropractor in Rochester, NY can help you accomplish your goals through chiropractic treatment and rehab exercises! Check out our YouTube page for a couple videos demonstrating how we can help in the office as well as simple exercises you can perform at home!
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