Question
I just started noticing the bump, is there an exercise I can do to help reduce it?  Will an increase in water and calcium help.  Will going to a chiropractor help.  I am 52 Years old.

Answer
Hi Sharon,

The hump I'm presuming you're describing is called a Dowager's Hump.  It is congenital (likely got it from mom) and often gets more prominent as you age.  Theres absolutely nothing you can do about it.  Sorry.  It's not a disease, just a cosmetic issue.  It has nothing to do with water or calcium intake. Chiropractors cannot fix this.  Exercises cannot fix this, but it has been hypothesized that lack of exercise combined with prolonged sitting activities (e.g. TV, compuer, reading) can make it worse, and in that regard exercise should be part of your weekly program to counteract these ergonomic and postural stressors to the spine.   If you have pain or stiffness, that's another issue.  Pain and stiffness can be alleviated.  If you are not sure what's going on, get it checked out by a DC, DO or MD Orthopedist.  If the "bump" is not at all what I think you are trying to convey to me, then please clarify exactly what and where the problem is.    Otherwise, don't worry about it.  If you look around at your peers, you'll see a lot of these Dowager's Humps.  

'Regards,

Dr. G