That hump is called kyphosis and is usually related to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is thinning of the bones associated with aging and is sometimes hereditary. The bones in the back become thin, and areas of weakness compress into the shape of a wedge. This often results in the outward curving of the spine. It does make sense that if a person is slouching constantly while these spine bones are thinning, the spine will more readily compress in that "slouched" direction.

We see it in some people, and you may even have it. It's that stooped, "humpback" appearance sometimes associated with aging. This hunched curve near the top of upper back is called kyphosis. Some women develop this trait after menopause. Kyphosis can cause problems other than appearance alone. In addition to being tied to lower bone density (osteoporosis), severe kyphosis leads to problems with balance. And fragile bones and imbalance is a bad combination.

Upper back pain can be caused by osteoarthritis (OA). OA does seem to run in families. It is possible your symptoms are from OA, and there's a chance it was handed down from your parents.

Age has a lot to do with OA too.  It is often the result of the wear and tear of aging. The older you are, the more likely you are to be showing the signs of OA.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition where the nerves or arteries that go to the arm and hand get squeezed between soft tissues near the side of the neck. Swimming can be a helpful part of therapy for TOS patients who can tolerate it. However, you should avoid doing the full breaststroke and the backstroke. These strokes put extra pressure on the nerves and vessels near the thoracic outlet. When your symptoms are under control, you may choose to try these strokes again.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition where the nerves or arteries that go to the arm and hand get squeezed between soft tissues near the side of the neck. With few exceptions, surgery is a last resort for treating TOS. Most people are able to get a handle on their TOS symptoms through a therapy program. Specialized exercises can improve muscle balance and posture to lessen your TOS symptoms. A physical or occupational therapist usually designs the exercise program.

Work postures, especially holding your arms out or overhead for long periods, can contribute to symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Hairdressers have to use these positions for much of the day. Your work may be constantly aggravating your TOS. A specialist, such as a physical or occupational therapist, could check your work station and watch the way you do your work.

They can be. Changes in posture can cause changes in the alignment of the rib cage. If the change becomes permanent, as can happen with scoliosis, the shoulder blade may begin to thump or snap as it glides over the rib cage. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to see if exercises could improve your spine and shoulder blade alignment.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition where the nerves or arteries that go to the arm and hand get squeezed between soft tissues near the side of the neck. It is difficult to diagnose. The process can be frustrating, as you know too well. There is no one test that shows TOS. And TOS symptoms are similar to the symptoms of many other conditions, including a herniated disc in the neck and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Raise the height of the work bench slightly. This may make it easier for you to manipulate small items while you keep your back upright. Make sure you have adequate overhead lighting and an adjustable task light. Good lighting means that you won't bend closer to see what you're working on.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves pressure on the arteries or nerves running from the neck to the arm. TOS is rarely caused by an extra cervical rib. Surgery to remove the extra rib is only done when your doctor is absolutely sure it is causing the problem.