How do you get rid of a neck hump medically?

Author: Barry Mueller  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Treatment options primarily focus on resolving the underlying cause and may include pharmaceutical therapy, surgical removal, or cessation of medications. In some cases, lifestyle changes may also be recommended. Treatment may result in regression of the buffalo hump.

Can a doctor fix a neck hump?

In severe and extreme cases, you can surgically correct a Dowager's hump, such as if a deformity to your spine is causing the problem, particularly if you're having a lot of difficulty holding your head upright. Still, most providers rarely use these surgical treatments.

How do they surgically remove a neck hump?

Liposuction is an effective technique to improve the contour of the upper back and neck while minimizing scarring. While there are different types of liposuction, often the most effective in addressing the buffalo hump is power-assisted liposuction since the tissue is quite fibrous.

How do you treat a severe neck hump?

Here are a few steps you can try at home: Neck and back strengthening exercises: Chin tucks, shoulder blade squeezes and strength training exercises that target your core and upper body can help build the muscles needed to support your spine and encourage proper alignment.

Does insurance cover hump removal?

Insurance generally considers buffalo hump removal to be cosmetic surgery and won't cover the cost. The condition isn't painful and doesn't tend to create other health issues. In extreme cases, a buffalo hump can get large enough that it makes turning your head or tilting it back difficult.

3 MINUTE Neck Hump FIX

Can a chiropractor fix my neck hump?

Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective treatments for Dowager's hump. This is because chiropractic treatments adjust spinal misalignment. Chiropractic treatments are also customized for a patient's specific concerns.

Can a neck hump be reversed?

Dr. Price says depending on your age and the severity, you often can improve or reverse a dowager's hump. You can accomplish this by strengthening your upper back and neck muscles. Increasing muscle tone helps pull up your shoulders and head.

Can sleeping without a pillow reduce neck hump?

Dowager's Hump Sleeping Position

Your spine never gets an opportunity to elongate. If you're a back sleeper, try to minimize your pillows as much as possible, so that you have the support just in the small of your neck. You don't really need anything under your head.

Can you stretch out a neck hump?

While it can lead to aesthetic concerns and discomfort, the good news is that it can be treated. By focusing on improving posture and implementing specific stretches like the pectoral stretch and wall angels, physical therapists can help patients with Dowager's Hump make significant progress in daily life.

Does CoolSculpting work on neck hump?

The main reason CoolSculpting does not allow for treatment of areas such as the face or neck is that the treatment needs to create a fold of skin at the treatment site to be in the applicator head. At this time, removing excess fat from the neck and jawline is best suited for liposuction during a neck lift.

Is neck hump surgery safe?

The procedure

One of the comforting aspects of buffalo hump removal is the minimal risk involved, particularly concerning vital structures like the spine. "The spinal cord is very deep to the fat that needs to be removed and is not at risk of injury during buffalo hump surgery," said Dr. Dickie.

Can buffalo hump be massaged out?

Can a Buffalo Hump Be Massaged Away? No. A buffalo hump is a deposit of fat cells. There is no way to rub them away.

How much does it cost to remove Dowager's hump?

Typically, the buffalo hump removal cost ranges from $2,000 to $8,000. This range can be influenced by the surgeon's expertise, the complexity of the case, and the location of the clinic. Additional costs may include anesthesia and facility fees, as well as post-operative expenses like garments and follow-up visits.

What is the difference between a Dowager's hump and a buffalo hump?

Dowager's Hump. A buffalo hump, which is caused by a buildup of adipose tissue, is different from a Dowager's hump. A Dowager's hump is an excessive curvature (called kyphosis) in the upper back caused by poor posture or osteoporosis.

Can a chiropractor fix a hunchback?

Hunchbacks — or kyphosis — stem from causes ranging from poor posture to injuries. Chiropractic care is more than capable of addressing your hunched back. The cause, age, and treatment consistency will determine the length of your recovery path.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a hump on the neck?

The best exercises for a neck hump include:
  1. Shoulder rolls.
  2. Chin tucks.
  3. Cat pose.
  4. Chin-to-shoulder stretch.
  5. Squeezing your shoulder blades together.

Why do humans hump pillows?

The lack of skin-to-skin contact provides some important protection from STDs and pregnancy for many people. When performed as a solo act, dry humping is another form of masturbation. It is an act of self-stimulation of the genitals. In this case, dry humping may also be called bed humping or pillow humping.

Can a chiropractor fix your neck hump?

Chiropractors utilize precise, targeted adjustments to realign the cervical (upper) spine, reduce the severity of a forward head posture, and diminish the prominence of a neck hump. These gentle adjustments provide an immediate degree of relief along with contributing to long-term postural improvements.

Will my neck hump go away if I lose weight?

For many people, diet and exercise alone won't eliminate the enlarged fat, which forms the buffalo hump, due to the fat that develops being more fibrous than that which develops in other areas. This is because the neck typically contains more scar tissue and other dense materials.

What causes neck hump in females?

The neck hump is a postural change that develops in the dorso-cervical area due to different causes such as postural issues, some diseases, medications, obesity and genetic factors.

Can physical therapy fix neck hump?

Dowager's Hump Treatment

Contact your doctor or physical therapist as soon as possible to start a treatment plan that will help you. Possible treatments for dowager's hump include: Ergonomics and attention to good posture. Regular exercise to strengthen your muscles and yoga to increase flexibility.

Do chiropractors take insurance?

Yes! When most people think about health insurance, they envision a medical doctor or someone who works in a hospital; however, health insurance covers all types of healthcare providers! This includes chiropractors. At Hogan Spine & Rehab, we know that many of our patients have insurance from a variety of providers.

Is there surgery for neck hump?

Luckily, this condition can be successfully treated with buffalo hump surgery so that the back and neck are restored to normal function, range of motion, and appearance. Surgery for buffalo hump removes the hump, restoring a smooth contour to the back and neck.

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