"Widow's hump": causes and treatment

"Widow's hump" is a fairly common disease, most often found in mature women. However, recently his “age” has begun to decline, perhaps because today's youth leads a sedentary lifestyle.

Outwardly, this disease manifests itself in the form of a curvature at the transition of the cervical spine to the thoracic region. Here, as a rule, only two vertebrae are involved, through which these departments are connected. The type of hump is determined by the overgrown fat layer. This disease can greatly spoil not only the appearance, but also the general state of health, which is why it is so important to consult a doctor at the very early stage of the development of the disease. Do not wait until the moment when even doctors can no longer help. And even better - to take preventative measures in advance, while the processes in the body can still be affected.

Occurrence of the term

Surely many are interested in why this disease is called the “widow's hump”, because not only women who prematurely lose their husbands suffer from it. All this is explained quite simply. The fact is that the term "widow's hump" appeared during the Middle Ages, when almost all women during the menopause (namely, then the hump most often begins to appear), that is, by the age of forty became widows. And their disease was aggravated by the fact that they walked in sorrow with their heads lowered, thereby contributing to increased curvature of the spine. Here is a simple and at the same time eerie explanation.

Causes and treatment

Firstly, the "widow's hump" (photo) may occur due to hormonal imbalance during menopause. During this period, adrenal gland function is disrupted, the distribution of adipose tissue changes - it "roams" from the lower half of the body to the upper. This reason can be identified by unexpected weight loss of the legs and buttocks. The solution to the problem is going to the endocrinologist and treatment with hormonal drugs.

Secondly, the curvature of the spine can be a consequence of osteoporosis, in which the bone tissue becomes thinner, and the vertebrae seem to “sag”. It will be effective to visit a chiropractor and take a course of calcium-containing drugs.

And thirdly, the hump can appear due to the wrong lifestyle. At risk are people spending a lot of time at the computer and desk. The disease that developed for this reason is the most difficult to cure, since the active action of the patient is required. Such a person needs to move a lot, learn to maintain posture, do sports (or rather yoga), start sleeping on a hard surface and perform special exercises.

Why is the widow hump dangerous?

Many people underestimate the danger of this disease, considering the only deterioration in its appearance. In fact, everything is not so simple. Due to the hump, blood circulation is disturbed, which can lead to oxygen starvation of the brain, frequent headaches, increased pressure and even strokes.

Prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of a widow's hump, you do not need to do anything out of the ordinary. It is enough to lead a healthy lifestyle, devote time to physical exercises and be observed by the endocrinologist during menopause.