Why is the base of my neck fat?

Author: Prof. Susan Bechtelar Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

The causes for this can be anything from water retention to more serious causes such as hormonal, thyroid or gland problems. Or, it could simply be genetic, some people are genetically predisposed to the appearance of neck fat.

Why do I have fat at the base of my neck?

Causes may include: Certain medications such as corticosteroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone, cortisone) and some medications used to treat HIV/AIDS (particularly older medications) Obesity (a buffalo neck hump may be seen along with generalized fat deposition)

What is a fatty hump at the base of the neck?

A buffalo hump, also known as a dorsocervical fat pad, refers to a collection of fat accumulated on the back of the neck, between the shoulder blades. It can be caused by a variety of underlying medical conditions, like Cushing syndrome, as well as certain medications.

How to get rid of hump at the base of the neck?

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.

What is the fat below the neck?

A hump behind your shoulders, sometimes called a buffalo hump or a dorsocervical fat pad, is a buildup of fat behind and slightly below your neck. It is one sign of lipodystrophy, which is the medical term for a problem with how your body makes, uses, and stores fat.

Fastest Way to Rid Your DOUBLE CHIN (Turkey Neck)

How do you get rid of the fat on the bottom of your neck?

Losing neck fat is a process that can often be kickstarted by adopting healthy lifestyle changes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that neck and chin exercises can help us to minimise layers of neck fat, while exercise and a healthy diet can help us to lose weight around this area.

Why is my neck fat but I'm skinny?

People are prone to carrying their weight in certain areas of their bodies. Some of us carry extra fat around our waistline, while others instantly gain weight in their thighs. If you have a double chin despite being skinny, your body just happens to genetically store extra fat around the jawline.

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 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 a chiropractor fix 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.

Does neck hump fat go away?

This fat pad creates the look of a hump behind the shoulders. This issue can be caused by a variety of conditions and medications and in some instances may be reversible.

Will insurance cover buffalo hump removal?

Generally, insurance companies view buffalo hump removal as a cosmetic procedure, which means they typically do not cover it. However, if the buffalo hump is causing significant health issues, such as pain or mobility problems, it might be classified as medically necessary.

Is neck hump reversible?

Neck humps are an increasingly common distortion of spine curvature caused by awkward posture when texting or using computers and tablets. Called kyphosis, it may be reversible with a few small changes.

How do I get rid of a fat lump on the base of my neck?

Treatment
  1. Surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out. Recurrences after removal are uncommon. Possible side effects are scarring and bruising. ...
  2. Liposuction. This treatment uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty lump.

What hormonal imbalance causes buffalo hump?

It can appear as a hump between the shoulder blades. Some people mistake the symptoms of kyphosis or osteoporosis for a dorsocervical fat pad. There are links between these conditions. Buffalo humps may result from excess cortisol in the body, possibly due to an endocrine disorder or the use of certain medications.

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.

What is the healthiest sleeping position?

"Sleeping on the side seems to have the least negative impact on health," Dr. Pirtle says. Side sleeping is associated with several potential health benefits. Interestingly, the side of the body a person sleeps on can affect what benefits they may receive.

How do I get rid of a neck hump ASAP?

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.

Can PCOS cause buffalo hump?

Interestingly, buffalo hump can also be associated with conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, and diabetes. These conditions often lead to hormonal imbalances and metabolic changes, contributing to abnormal fat distribution.

What causes a woman to have a thick neck?

Yes, even people who are at their ideal weight can suffer with face and neck fat. The causes for this can be anything from water retention to more serious causes such as hormonal, thyroid or gland problems. Or, it could simply be genetic, some people are genetically predisposed to the appearance of neck fat.

Can chewing gum reduce double chin?

Some believe it may help you get a chiseled jawline, reduce facial fat, or a double chin. However, there is no scientific research to support these claims. Chewing gum, as a type of facial exercise, might give your facial muscles a minor workout, but it is unlikely to create noticeable changes to your jawline.

How can I slim down my thick neck?

If you want to get rid of neck fat, the most straightforward approach is to lose weight with a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise. By cutting back on junk food snacks, drinking enough water and eating a diet of lean protein and vegetables, you'll likely see improvements to both neck and body fat.

Are double chins unattractive?

Double chins are widely considered unattractive and affect men and women of all ages, distorting facial features and giving the appearance of a heavier face.

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