Exercises for Neck Hump: How to Fix Dowager’s Hump Naturally at Home
A neck hump, also known as Dowager’s Hump or Buffalo Hump, is a forward-curving bump that forms at the base of the neck, usually caused by poor posture, long screen time, weak back muscles, or age-related bone changes.
The good news? In most cases, you can fix it naturally with the right exercises, stretches, and posture correction — especially if you start early.
🧠 What Causes Neck Hump?
✅ Forward head posture (looking down at phone/laptop)
✅ Sitting for long hours in a slouched position
✅ Weak upper back muscles
✅ Tight chest and neck muscles
✅ Osteoporosis or age-related spine changes
✅ Excess fat around upper back (rare cases)
🏋️ 7 Best Exercises to Reduce Neck Hump
These exercises help lengthen tight muscles, strengthen weak ones, and realign the spine.
1️⃣ Chin Tucks
How: Sit or stand straight. Gently lift your chin upwards, creating a “double chin”.
Hold: 5 seconds × 10 reps
Benefits: Corrects forward head posture.
2️⃣ Wall Angels
How: Stand against a wall, arms up like a goal post, slide up and down slowly.
Reps: 10–12
Benefits: Strengthens upper back, opens chest, improves posture.
3️⃣ Cat-Cow Stretch
How: On hands & knees, arch back up (cat), then lower and lift head (cow).
Reps: 10–15
Benefits: Restores spine mobility.
4️⃣ Thoracic Extension on Foam Roller
How: Lie on back, foam roller under upper spine, extend backwards gently.
Reps: 1–2 mins
Benefits: Removes tightness in upper back.
5️⃣ Shoulder Blade Squeezes
How: Pull shoulder blades back and down like you’re pinching something between them.
Hold: 5 seconds × 12 reps
Benefits: Strengthens postural muscles.
6️⃣ Doorway Chest Stretch
How: Stand at doorway, arms on frame, lean forward.
Hold: 30 sec × 2 times
Benefits: Opens tight chest muscles that cause hunching.
7️⃣ Neck Release Stretch
How: Tilt head sideways gently, hold, repeat other side.
Hold: 20–30 sec
Benefits: Reduces neck tension.
🪑 Posture Tips to Prevent Neck Hump
✅ Keep screen at eye level
✅ Avoid looking down at mobile for long time (“text neck”)
✅ Sit with straight spine — not rounded shoulders
✅ Use a chair with back support
✅ Sleep with a thin pillow, not a thick one
✅ Take posture breaks every 30–40 minutes
⚠️ When to See a Doctor?
❗ Hump is painful or keeps growing
❗ You have numbness or weakness in hands
❗ You have osteoporosis or spine injury history
❗ Hump appears suddenly with no reason
✅ Final Thought
A neck hump is not permanent in most cases — but it needs consistent practice of posture-correcting exercises. Just 10–15 minutes daily can slowly reduce the hump and prevent pain, headaches, or long-term spinal issues.
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