Another Neck Question: Re: Question

» doc310 - Re: Question

In response to message posted by CarbonB:
Hi CarbonB,
What you are describing sounds like what is commonly called a "dowager's hump". It is located at the junction of the neck and thoracic spine or upper back; usually over the spinous process, or back part, of the 7th cervical vertebra. It is commonly caused from poor posture (hunching, as you call it).

Today we do so much sitting and working at desks, or terminals, or watching TV or reading, and our heads are always forward and looking down, so they tend to gradually migrate forward, followed by our shoulders, which get "round". This chronically poor position creats a number of musculoskeletal issues in our upper bodies, from headaches to shoulder pains to numbness and tingling in our arms and hands, and lots of other aches and pains.

The problem can be helped, of course, with better posture, stretching-type exercises, chiropractic therapies and massage. But the bottom line, as with so many conditions, is prevention. Be aware of how you are sitting, driving, sleeping, etc, and use correct body mechanics as much as possible.

The important thing is not so much getting your shoulders back, but rather getting your head back. Retract your chin and move your ears back so that they're over your shoulders where they're supposed to be.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. David Phillips

-- posted by doc310