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What is a Dowager's Hump?

In the English language, "dowager" refers to an elderly woman. The term Dowager’s hump describes an increased curve in the upper back. The change in the position of the bones causes a bump or hump to form along the back of the neck. The correct medical term for this condition is kyphosis.

Kyphosis occurs when aging and weak bones collapse along the front border of the spine. The vertebral bones take on a wedge or pie shape causing the spine to curve forward. This can happen to men or women.

Reference: 

Tony S. Keller, PhD, et al. Prediction of Osteoporotic Spinal Deformity. In Spine. March 1, 2003. Vol. 28. No. 5. Pp. 455-462.

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