Hump behind the shoulders is a lump of fat on the back of the neck.
Alternative Names:
Buffalo hump
Considerations:
A hump behind the shoulders by itself is not a sign of any one, specific condition. The doctor must consider this along with other symptoms and test results.
Common Causes:
Certain drugs used to treat AIDS
Extended use of certain steroid medicines, including prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone
Osteoporosis may cause a curvature of the spine in the neck called kyphoscoliosis.
Home Care:
If the hump is caused by a certain medicine, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the drug or change your dosage. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Diet and exercise can help you to lose weight and may relieve some humps due to extreme obesity.
Review Date: 4/26/2007
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Internal Medicine
