Question
Hi,
This is probably a really shallow and stupid question to be asking, but I would really like to ask it anyway because the matter has been bothering me ridiculously.
At the base of my neck, my spine juts out causing a slight rounded bump. I don't think this would really bother me much, but my mum has the same thing, (she is 59) but in her case she has developed a prominent hump over the part of the spine that juts out as mine does. I'm already very self-conscious about this because I have a very short neck and the prominence of the spine at the base of my neck makes me look very round shouldered and, if my mum's anything to go by, this will only get worse!
I really hope that this question isn't too trivial for you to answer, because I've no one else to ask and really would like someone to advise me or at the worst, tell me to shut up and stop being shallow.
Thank you anyway,

Lucy

Answer
Dear Lucy,

This is not a stupid question at all.  It's actually a good question.  What you are describing to me is called a "Dowager's Hump" or "Widow's Hump" (you can google this).  It is mostly an inherited condition, and that's why it looks like "Mum."  In older women who are losing their bone mass, meaning those with osteoporosis, there is the propensity for the vertebrae of the spine to fracture, collapsing and becoming compressed in a forward wedged position.  In these women, when it happens in the upper back, this, too, will cause a hump.  Otherwise, the hump you're developing is not caused by fracture of a weakened bone.  The Dowager's hump, while some will argue that it is acquired via bad (slumped) posture, is also characterized by a thickened fat layer over the hump.  Some will show little spider veins over the skin.  While exercising your neck and back muscles is always a good idea, there is no evidence that it will prevent this condition.  At some point, you should consider a bone density test to see where you're at.  Strengthening and conditioning your neck, upper back, and shoulder-blade muscles is also a good idea, especially if you are someone who sits a lot or works in a forward slumped position, e.g. at a computer.  A general rule is to look in a mirror, and all the muscles you don't see are the ones you need to focus on.  Email me privately if you would like more advice on exercise.  Lastly, while I can sympathize with your concern about the cosmetics of it, there's nothing detrimental about the hump.

'Hope this helps.  

Dr. G
www.drgillman.com