Have you ever heard of buffalo hump? This term is often used to describe an increase in cervical-dorsal kyphosis, the curvature at the base of the neck. In some cases, an accumulation of fat and lymph can accentuate this protuberance. This condition also becomes more visible when the neck is bent forward and the shoulders droop.
Why does Bison’s hump appear?
The great mobility of the cervical spine in relation to the thoracic spine puts this region of the body under considerable stress. A prolonged flexed posture (head forward) and rounded shoulders also favor the development of buffalo hump.
Risk factors
The development of buffalo hump is multifactorial. Some people are more predisposed to developing this condition, and the main causes include :
- Prolonged bad posture at the office or in front of a screen;
- Professions requiring bent posture (hairdressers, beauticians, dental hygienists, dentists, etc.);
- Accumulation of fat and lymph in the cervico-dorsal area;
- Genetic factors influencing posture and fat distribution.
How to reduce Bison hump?
Massage therapy and drainage
Massage therapy can play an essential role in reducing buffalo hump by facilitating drainage of accumulated fluids and relaxing overstressed muscles. Practitioners sometimes use therapeutic cupping to promote circulation and soften tissues.
Corrective exercises
Muscle strengthening is crucial to improving posture and reducing accumulated tension. Here are some recommended exercises:
- Interscapular muscle strengthening: scapular retraction exercises to straighten shoulders;
- Stretching the pectoral muscles: release tension and improve thoracic opening;
- Cervical stabilization exercises: to strengthen the cervical spine and reduce flexed posture.
Conclusion
Buffalo hump can be made reversible through a combination of massage therapy, postural exercises and good ergonomic habits, provided it is managed early on. Careful attention to posture and an active lifestyle can prevent the appearance of humpback and improve day-to-day comfort.
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Geneviève Laplante
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