Question
I am a 40 year old former athlete and avid weight trainer. I'm 6'3" and weigh about 250 lbs. I have a noticable lump at the top of my spine and I'm concerned what has caused this. I am in absolutely no pain and I assumed the the area had just swelled but it hasn't susided. It is actually pertruding through shirts and I'm getting more concerned. What is going on?

Answer
Dear Stan,

I have no idea what is going on.  You have to realize that this could be anything from distorted spinal anatomy from years of poor posture such as forward head posture(which is actually common in weight trainers), a tumor process around the spine, or an endocrine problem creating an unsitely dowagers hump.  It may also just be local swelling that has become chronic.  

Bottom line here is that I don't have any health history to go on, and I can't see the problem area to visualize how much of an issue this is.  When the issue is mostly one of visual cues and not physical dysfunction, it is hard to give an opinion on what has actually occurred, and it would be speculative anyway.

You need to have it looked at by someone who can actually get their hands and eyes on the area of complaint.  I would recommend that you take the time to schedule an appointment with your family doctor or with a good local chiropractic physician to determine what the source is and the appropriate course of action. Good luck Stan.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Follow-up to Stan, I noticed that you quickly viewed and rated my response with a 5 for knowledge while I am still online.  I am not your doctor, have no information about you, and cannot see your problem or examine it.  I don't have a crystal ball here Stan and I did you a service by explaining that the area needs to be physically examined...I could have just ignored the question or rejected it.  You should realize that I volunteer my time for this service, I am not paid for this, and it is not a substitute for examination.  Take the advice and go to the doctor.  Next time if you want a more in-depth response, write a more detailed and focused question than "I have a lump on my spine, diagnose me."