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When speaking of spinal conditions, an old term that remains is Dowagers Hump. This refers to an excessive curve in the upper thoracic and middle spine.
Dowagers hump is more common in women as a result of aging due to hormonal changes, menopause, and often related to compression fractures.
The proper term for Dowager's Hump is hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine. This kyphosis can be located in different areas of the thoracic spine, but Dowagers Hump specifically entails the upper thoracic spine.
A healthy spine will have a kyphosis, but it will fall within a normal range that spreads through the entire spine. Often from 20 to 40 degrees is a normal kyphosis. However, falling below this range is also abnormal, and it is called hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine.
The number one diagnosis driver is postural, the shoulders become more round, and the spine is titled forward. This affects balance, coordination, and gait. Other symptoms associated with hyperkyphosis are:
-Numbness and tingling in the feet
-Fatigue and low energy levels
-Stress and strain in the upper back and neck
-Balance and posture
-Stiffness
-Impaired lung function (in more severe cases)
-Bladder and bowel issues
Postural changes are typically how hyperkyphosis is diagnosed in children and adolescents. In adults, back and radicular pain will indicate that something is wrong with their spine. Once these symptoms appear, an Adam's Forward Bending test is done to look for irregular rib arching or excessive rounding of the upper back from the side. Finding these is a clear indication of hyperkyphosis.
The next step is often an X-ray to measure the degree of kyphosis in the thoracic spine, and any measure of 50 degrees or more confirms the existence of hyperkyphosis. Dowager's hump refers to hyperkyphosis in the upper thoracic spine and too little kyphosis in the thoracic spine.
The standard treatment for hyperkyphosis is a spinal fusion, which is very invasive. This is often done in younger adults and children to deal with their hyperkyphosis. As patients age, spinal fusion is a less sought-after treatment because of the complications it could bring. That is why many surgeons will elect not to perform this surgery in older patients.
The next option for these patients is a non-surgical treatment. At the Scoliosis Reduction Center, we offer dedicated chiropractic care, in-office therapy, home exercises, and corrective bracing to help manage hyperkyphosis and help reduce patients' curves by inducing flexibility.
Stiffness is a limiting factor for hyperkyphosis. That's why we aim to improve flexibility in the curve itself. Once that is achieved, there is room for reduction of the curve, or at least preventing the curve from progressing.
We recommend being proactive, seeking a diagnosis, and starting treatment for hyperkyphosis non-surgically as soon as possible for the best results.
You can learn more about this topic here:
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00:00 - Dowager's Hump
00:44 - Hyperkyphosis
02:11 - Symptoms of Hyperkyphosis
03:48 - Hyperkyphosis Diagnosis
04:29 - Adam's Forward Bending Test
05:46 - Hyperkyphosis Treatment
06:45 - Non-Surgical Treatment Options
07:48 - Our Recommendations
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