Dowager’s Hump – Prevention and Treatment

Too often we see elderly women hunched over in a most uncomfortable position and think, “I must straighten up or I’ll end up like that one day!”  Although posture is very important for spine health, there are many other contributing factors to the curving of the upper back in old age.

What may commonly be referred to as a “Dowager’s Hump” is in fact a kyphosis (rounding) of the back caused by osteoporosis which weakens spinal bones to the point they crack and compress.  The condition can also cause stiffness and pain in addition to the curvature in the spine.

Dowager:  A dowager is defined as a widow with title or property derived from her late husband or a dignified elderly woman.

A Dowager’s Hump is characterized by a head forward, rounded shoulder posture.   Over time, with the compression and posture, this position can become permanent.  The condition is often seen in older women and the best “treatment” is prevention in earlier adulthood.  Preventing osteoporosis through proper calcium intake, getting adequate vitamin D, weight bearing activity, not smoking and limiting alcohol, will all help prevent bone loss.

Early detection of excessive kyphosis is key to providing the best treatment.   There are exercises a physical therapist can prescribe to strengthen spine-supporting muscles as well as posture correction techniques.  In some cases surgery which rebuilds the vertebrae such as vertebroplasty  or kyphoplasty may be considered to relieve pain.

A new procedure has been developed in the United Kingdom using small balloons to restore normal bone height.  After the balloons are inflated, cement is then injected into the space, giving the bone permanent strengthening and has been found to result in pain relief.

For more information about osteoporosis, contact your doctor and/or visit www.osteoporosis.ca .