Can a Chiropractor Fix Neck Hump?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Noticing a visible bump at the base of your neck? Commonly referred to as a neck hump or dowager’s hump, this condition can affect your posture, confidence and overall well-being. But is it fixable, and can chiropractor fix neck hump?

Chiropractors may help reduce and manage a neck hump, especially when it stems from postural habits or spinal misalignment. Research highlights the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation in addressing spine-related issues, including neck pain and postural deformities. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), a key intervention used by chiropractors, can also be as effective as other recommended therapies for managing non-specific and chronic neck pain.

In this article, we’ll look at what causes a neck hump, how chiropractic care works to address it and when it’s worth booking a visit to a professional.

This article provides general guidance based on published research. For personalised care, it's important to consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Can a Chiropractor Fix Neck Hump? A Quick Overview

Chiropractors can assist with correcting a neck hump by:

• Realigning the cervical spine
• Improving posture and muscle balance
• Reducing inflammation and soft tissue tension
• Providing exercises to support long-term correctionWant to improve your posture and reduce the appearance of a neck hump? Goto Health connects you with skilled chiropractors across Australia who are ready to help.

What Is a Neck Hump?

A neck hump, medically known as a thoracic kyphosis or hyperkyphosis, appears as a fatty or bony lump where the neck meets the upper back. It can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by symptoms, such as:

• Stiffness or pain in the neck and upper back
• Forward head posture
• Rounded shoulders
• Limited range of motionThis condition often develops gradually and may worsen over time without proper intervention.

Common Causes of Neck Hump:

• Poor Posture (Tech Neck): Spending long hours hunched over screens or phones can cause muscle imbalances and forward head posture.
• Spinal Misalignment: Subluxations in the cervical spine can distort the natural curve of the neck.
• Osteoporosis or Degenerative Disc Disease: In older adults, bone loss and disc collapse can lead to a more pronounced hump.
• Fatty Tissue Accumulation: In some cases, fat deposits form at the base of the neck (lipodystrophy), often associated with metabolic conditions.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Neck Hump

Chiropractors look at the underlying causes and use evidence-informed techniques to help improve alignment and reduce the appearance of the hump. Below are some steps they can take to support your recovery.

1. Spinal Adjustments for Alignment

Chiropractors use gentle spinal manipulations to improve cervical spine alignment. This may help restore the natural curve of the neck and reduce pressure on surrounding muscles and nerves. By correcting misalignments, chiropractors may encourage better posture and reduce strain that contributes to neck hump formation.

A study from Spinal Research Australia looked at how chiropractic care affects cervical spine alignment and related symptoms. They found that adding a cervical extension traction orthotic to regular chiropractic care improved the neck curve by 13 degrees on average, reduced forward head posture, and helped with neck and arm pain, neck disability, and medication use. The study also showed improvements in nerve speed and spinal cord function, suggesting that correcting neck misalignment can improve neurological function. This supports the idea that spinal adjustments help restore natural neck curvature and ease muscle and nerve strain linked to neck issues.

2. Postural Correction and Education

A case study followed a woman with a Dowager’s hump caused by poor posture and cervical issues. After 9 months of chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments and posture education, her spinal alignment improved and she felt relief from symptoms. The study stressed that retraining posture, strengthening neck and back muscles, and avoiding forward head posture were key to preventing the hump from coming back.

This highlights the role posture plays in the development and progression of a neck hump. Chiropractors evaluate your posture and provide actionable advice to:

• Retrain your body to maintain upright alignment
• Strengthen the postural muscles of the neck, shoulders and back
• Avoid habits that encourage forward head posture

3. Soft Tissue Therapy

Tight muscles and fascia around the upper back and shoulders can worsen the appearance of a neck hump. Chiropractors use techniques like:

• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy
• Stretching and mobilisationThese methods ease muscle tension and complement spinal adjustments. A study showed that just 8 minutes of targeted soft tissue massage around the neck and shoulders significantly increased neck rotation in people with cervicogenic headaches. The improvements lasted for at least two weeks, which demonstrates the value of soft tissue therapy in supporting posture and relieving tension.

4. Corrective Exercises and Rehab

A key part of addressing a neck hump is building strength and flexibility in the right areas. Chiropractors provide personalised exercise programs that may include chin tucks, wall angels, shoulder blade squeezes and thoracic extensions. These moves help retrain your posture and support the effects of adjustments between visits. A review of clinical trials also found that strengthening exercises can ease neck pain and improve daily function, especially when they target the neck and shoulder muscles.

Can a Chiropractor Remove a Neck Hump Completely?

The outcome depends on the cause and severity. Chiropractors can often help improve posture-related humps and reduce their progression. However, if the hump is due to bone deformities or severe kyphosis, results may vary and require a multidisciplinary approach.

Consistency with care and home exercises often leads to noticeable improvements in both posture and comfort.

When to See a Chiropractor for a Neck Hump

You should consider chiropractic care if you notice:

• A developing or worsening hump at the base of your neck
• Forward head posture or rounded shoulders
• Neck or upper back stiffness
• Poor mobility in your upper spine
• Discomfort when using computers or mobile devicesEarly intervention is key. The sooner you address postural and alignment issues, the better your chances of correction.

What to Expect During Your Chiropractic Visit

Here’s what to expect during the procedure:

1. Initial Consultation: Your chiropractor will ask about your health history, symptoms and daily habits that may contribute to neck hump.
2. Postural and Spinal Assessment: This may include:

• Range of motion testing
• Palpation of spinal misalignments
• Posture and gait analysis
• Possible imaging if required

3. Custom Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, your chiropractor will create a personalised plan which may include:

• Spinal adjustments
• Soft tissue work
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Ergonomic and lifestyle advice

4. Ongoing Progress Tracking: Follow-up visits help monitor your progress and adjust the plan to maximise outcomes.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Neck Hump

While chiropractic care can’t always eliminate neck humps, it may offer benefits like:

• Improved Posture: Stand taller and move with more confidence
• Pain Relief: Less strain on the neck, shoulders and upper back
• Better Spinal Function: Enhanced range of motion and alignment
• Drug-Free Management: A natural alternative to medication or invasive procedures
• Long-Term Results: Build habits that support a straighter, healthier spine

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care for Neck Hump

Can a chiropractor permanently fix a neck hump?

Chiropractic care can help with posture-related humps. Long-term results depend on consistency and underlying causes.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies based on the severity and duration of the condition. Most patients begin seeing changes within a few weeks.

Is neck cracking involved?

Chiropractors may use gentle adjustments, and techniques are tailored to your comfort level and health needs.

Can I fix a neck hump on my own?

While exercises and posture changes help, professional guidance ensures safe and effective correction.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No referral is needed in Australia. You can book directly through Goto Health.

Start Your Posture Correction Journey Today with Goto Health

A neck hump doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right chiropractic care, you can restore your posture, relieve discomfort and prevent further issues.

Worried about a visible neck hump or poor posture? Goto Health connects you with experienced chiropractors who specialise in spinal alignment and postural correction across Australia.

Contact Goto Health today to book your appointment and take the first step toward standing tall and feeling confident.