“Doctor, I’m concerned about my hump. Will it get worse? Can you help fix it?” This question comes up often here in Burbank, CA. Unlike the classic dowager’s hump, the upper thoracic hump is actually quite common and affects people of all ages in our community.
Request an AppointmentWhat is the hump pattern in Burbank, CA?
Some humps are barely visible, while others are more pronounced. Only a thorough evaluation can reveal if the spinal column and related structures are subluxated and contributing to the hump pattern.
Beyond its cosmetic impact, this hump can negatively influence heart, lung, and thyroid function and has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease complications.
Additionally, those with a hump often experience height loss, reduced lung capacity, lung issues, and discomfort or numbness in fingers, hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders. Neck, mid-back, lower back, hip, and sciatic pain are also common. Many patients tell us their shoulders, neck, and upper back feel chronically tight.
People worry that this hump signals progression toward the fragile, hunched posture often called the dowager’s hump. Is there hope? Thankfully, the hump is usually correctable with Koren Specific Technique (KST).
Fixing the hump pattern
It’s called a “hump pattern” because addressing it involves correcting multiple subluxated spinal segments, not just the hump itself. These include the ribs, mid-back, lower back, as well as the upper thoracic vertebrae.
The key to correction is precision: identifying exactly what is misaligned and in which direction. This specificity allows the KST practitioner to apply minimal force to adjust the subluxations effectively. More precise corrections typically last longer, meaning fewer repeat visits.
What makes up the hump pattern?
The typical hump involves subluxations of upper thoracic vertebrae and their associated ribs. Each affected area must be addressed to release the hump fully. Often, there’s tenderness or inflammation at the front of the chest where ribs connect to the sternum, signaling chronic subluxations needing correction. This inflammation is part of the healing process and usually fades quickly after treatment. Occasionally, other spinal segments or discs may be involved, but that’s uncommon.
When the hump is corrected…
KST is a gentle, efficient approach to assessing and adjusting any body region. Practitioners use a specialized instrument that applies a quick, light force to unlock misaligned segments and restore normal position.
After correction, many patients notice immediate improvements in posture, balance, breathing, and reduced chest sensitivity or inflammation.
People often describe a newfound sense of relaxation and well-being as long-standing stress from subluxations eases.
If you’ve lived with a hump and reduced lung capacity for years, you might have forgotten what a full deep breath feels like. Patients frequently say, “I didn’t realize how shallow I was breathing until after my adjustment.”
How long will it take for the hump to go away?
Some patients see hump reduction right after their adjustment, sometimes within days. Others may notice gradual improvement over weeks. Factors like age, lifestyle, and injury history influence healing speed.
While the hump remains subluxated, ongoing healing continues, benefiting the heart, lungs, thyroid, and other affected areas.
Will I need to have my hump fixed on every visit?
KST adjustments often hold for extended periods. Generally, those with more severe humps require more frequent care, though this varies by individual.
KST and dowager’s hump
Can KST help dowager’s hump? Since dowager’s hump results from compression fractures, it’s unlikely to fully reverse. However, correcting subluxations can reduce pain, improve nervous system function, and promote overall healing.
This contrasts with typical medical treatments like exercise, osteoporosis meds, or vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty procedures. Notably, a Mayo Clinic study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found vertebroplasty may increase fracture risk in adjacent vertebrae. KST offers a safer alternative.