Why Is There a Hump at the Base of My Neck?

Chiropractor in Islington Explains Why It’s Usually Posture — Not Osteoporosis

If you’ve noticed a hump forming at the base of your neck, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned.

Many people immediately think:
“Is this osteoporosis?”
“Is something wrong with my spine?”

In the vast majority of cases — especially in adults under 65 — this is not osteoporosis. It is far more commonly a postural adaptation involving the cervicothoracic junction (where the neck meets the upper back).

The most important message?

This is something you can work on. And it can improve.

What Is the “Neck Hump” Scientifically?

The prominence you see typically occurs at the cervicothoracic junction (C7–T1 region).

Clinically, it is often associated with:

  • Increased thoracic kyphosis (excessive rounding of the upper back)

  • Forward head posture

  • Muscle imbalance (often described as Upper Crossed Syndrome)

  • Adaptive ligament shortening

  • Soft tissue thickening over time

This isn’t a random lump. It’s your body responding to repeated positioning — usually sustained spinal flexion.

In biomechanics, we use a simple principle:

Structure follows function.

If the upper spine spends years in flexion (rounded posture), it adapts to that position.

Why It Happens So Commonly Today

Modern life encourages:

  • Laptop use

  • Phone use (“text neck”)

  • Desk-based work

  • Driving posture

  • Sedentary habits

When the head translates forward, the load on the cervical spine increases. Over time:

  • Deep neck flexors weaken

  • Thoracic extensors lose endurance

  • Upper trapezius becomes dominant

  • Scapular stabilisers underperform

The result? Gradual visible change at the base of the neck.

This is adaptation — not damage.

When Is It Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis involves reduced bone mineral density and sometimes vertebral compression fractures.

Typical signs include:

  • Significant height loss

  • Sudden onset spinal pain

  • Wedge-shaped vertebrae on imaging

  • Diagnosis confirmed by DEXA scan

In posture-related hump formation, the vertebrae are usually structurally sound. The issue is mechanical and muscular, not metabolic bone disease.

If there is any suspicion of fracture or systemic bone loss, referral for imaging is appropriate. But in most cases seen in clinic, this presentation is functional.

The Encouraging Part: You Can Improve It

Your spine is adaptable — and that works in your favour.

Improvement focuses on three key areas:

1️⃣ Restoring Thoracic Extension

Mobilising the upper thoracic spine reduces sustained flexion.

  • Foam roller mobilisation

  • Extension drills

  • Segmental mobility work

2️⃣ Activating Deep Neck Flexors

These stabilisers often become inhibited in forward head posture.

  • Chin tuck progressions

  • Cervical stabilisation exercises

  • Postural endurance training

3️⃣ Strengthening Scapular Stabilisers

Mid and lower trapezius, rhomboids, serratus anterior.

When these engage properly, the shoulders reposition naturally and reduce strain at the base of the neck.

Manual therapy and chiropractic adjustments can help restore joint mobility and improve neuromuscular control — but long-term structural change comes from consistent retraining.

How Long Does It Take?

It’s important to be realistic.

This posture developed gradually — often over years.

Visible change typically requires:

  • 6–12 weeks of consistent work

  • Progressive strengthening

  • Daily posture awareness

  • Ergonomic adjustments

Most patients notice:

  • Reduced tension within weeks

  • Improved posture awareness early on

  • Gradual visible improvement over months

This is not an overnight fix — but it is absolutely modifiable.

A Healthier Way to Think About It

Instead of thinking:

“Something is wrong with my spine.”

Consider:

“My spine adapted to what I repeatedly asked it to do.”

And if adaptation created it,
adaptation can reduce it.

Your body is resilient. It responds to the inputs you give it.

Chiropractor in Islington – Professional Assessment Matters

If you are experiencing:

  • Progressive curvature

  • Neck or upper back pain

  • Headaches

  • Shoulder tension

  • Postural fatigue

A detailed postural and biomechanical assessment helps determine whether the issue is:

  • Functional postural kyphosis

  • Degenerative change

  • Or something requiring medical referral

At Angel Chiropractic, located at 309 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2TU, we provide:

  • Postural analysis

  • Spinal mobility assessment

  • Orthopaedic and neurological screening

  • Assessment of the autonomic nervous system

  • Individualised corrective exercise programmes

  • Chiropractic adjustments where clinically appropriate

We focus on restoring extension capacity, improving neuromuscular control, and building long-term structural resilience.

Take the First Step

If you’ve noticed a hump forming at the base of your neck, don’t ignore it — and don’t assume the worst.

In most cases, it’s a postural pattern that can improve with the right guidance.

📍 Visit us at Angel Chiropractic in Islington
📞 Book a comprehensive posture assessment
🌐 Schedule online via our website

Small, consistent changes lead to structural improvement over time.

Your spine adapts.
Let’s make sure it adapts in the right direction.

Brian Bamberger