Neck Hump Correction Through Physiotherapy

Neck hump, medically known as kyphosis and more crudely referred to as Buffalo hump, is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by an exaggerated, rounded protrusion at the base of the neck. A neck hump itself is not inherently concerning from a medical perspective, but when related to underlying issues they (neck hump + underlying issues) may collectively lead to pain, reduced mobility, and nerve compression. For most people, the demand for neck hump correction stems from personal aesthetic preferences. While it generally goes unnoticed in a collared shirt, it can be quite prominent when wearing a t-shirt, tank-top, and dress, et cetera.

As someone who has grown weary of seeing the rounded, protruding bump at the base of your neck, you are exploring physiotherapy as an option. If located anywhere in the Greater Vancouver BC area you can book an appointment at our Burnaby clinic for an assessment and begin the process of correction, or read ahead beforehand for added insight.

Why You Have Neck Hump and Why Our Physiotherapy Clinic is Where to Come for Correction

Common Causes of Neck Hump

Excluding underlying medical conditions (namely Cushing syndrome) and medications (i.e. glucocorticoids) the following may have caused or contributed to you exhibiting kyphosis:

Poor posture: Regularly leaning your head forward while using phones (which is why it may also be referred to as “text neck”), computers, or reading can strain the cervical spine and lead to a neck hump.
Work and lifestyle: Long hours of sitting in slouched positions can aggravate and worsen the appearance of neck hump.
Osteoporosis: Weakened bones can lead to compression fractures in the vertebrae, causing the spine to curve forward and aggravate the appearance of neck hump.
Degenerative disc disease: Age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs can also contribute to posture changes and a cause neck hump.
Repetitive strain and injury: Past injuries or constant mechanical stress on the neck can aggravate and worsen the appearance of neck hump.
Genetics: Once again there may be cause to blame your folks for what ails you, as a family history of similar conditions may indicate a genetic predisposition

How Our Clinic Will Correct the Issue

Physiotherapy helps correct neck hump by employing techniques to improve posture (view here) and correcting muscle imbalances through specific exercises and manual therapies. Greater Vancouver residents benefit from our specialists who apply treatments that involve a combination of strengthening weak muscles, stretching tight ones, and mobilizing stiff joints to reduce pain and improve spinal alignment. Treatment plans are often individualized and may include stretching, strengthening exercises like chin tucks and thoracic extensions, soft tissue work, and ergonomic advice that can be applied to work and home life alike. Further, those with neck hump related to degenerative disc disease will benefit from spinal decompression therapy (view here).

Look in the mirror and wear what you want with confidence while improving mobility through physiotherapy for kyphosis. Email, call, or click here to make an appointment at our Burnaby BC clinic.