Widow's Hump

It seems to run in our family. My great aunt had a pronounced hump and I am not completely straight . I realised the connection when, after 50 years or more I met my second cousin who has exactly the same feature. I doubt if there is any treatment. Maybe Alexander Technique?

It used to be called a Dowagers Hump in my nursing days- don't know of any effective treatment or whether this lady who appears to know her own mind would comply. I think the Alexander Technique suggestion is a good one but again would she do it?

I've got one and my mother had one.
I've always known it as 'dowagers hump' (a better class of hump perhaps?)

Is this Dowagers hump or widows peak? A combination of the two would be horrid.You don't seem to see many women with Dowagers Hump these days do you?It's either genetic or caused by osteo probs, I really don't know. Think if your elderly Mother doesn't want to talk about it aged 90, then I would not force her to talk or think about it.

Yes, definitely dowager's hump in our family.

There are lots of women with curved spines! Some of them may be just poor posture. But if the cause is little fractures/collapses in the vertebrae then the only cures are going to be dramatic (I just read about an injecting balloon thing)
If she is not in pain then leave her alone. And be sceptical about "cures" on the internet, or even "treatments"

Osteoporosis is a family curse for us too. I have certainly 'shrunk' and I was only an elf to start with.

I don't think there is anything that can be done to be honest. It's the nature of the nasty beast I am afraid.

I shall be watching this thread with interest to see if anybody has got an answer though.

As an elf, have you tried asking the national elf service for help?

Gadabout, I had to chuckle at your mother rubbing Vick on broken ribs. My mother was just the same. If Ponds Cold Cream didn't work she'd resort to Vick!

She has a dowager's hump so I suppose that's something else to look forward to.

Galen

Yes, they told me to 'Elf Off'

I too will watch the thread as when I went docs about 6 weeks ago (for something completely diff) I thought I would mention a few other ailments whilst I was there (I very rarely go to the docs so thought I would get my moneys worth) I came out with "Dowerges hump"and "carpal tunnel" and also my other probs...! the doc was more concerned about my initial reason for going docs..so she wasn't very forthcoming with the DH and CT...although I will gladly put up with them to be relieved of my other concerns. I have found an exercise for DH. where you tuck elbows inn to your side,,bend your arms at the elbows to 90degress then swing your arms towards your back,it sort of stretches your shoulders and neck.there is video on youtube.

I don't know if you can do anything once you've got it, but I was told doing regular weight bearing exercise, Pilates etc would help protect you against osteoporosis . I certainly feel loads stronger, taller(?) since I started Pilates 2 years ago. I never thought I'd ever be able to do press ups but amazingly I now can!

I have osteoporosis but thankfully as yet, no hump. I now have, after going through all the cheaper options, finally have one six monthly injection with no side effects which strengthens the bones (so I'm told) I'm hoping it's going to prevent any wedge fractures which are one cause of a hump. But, I do know you have to be persistent to get it. I expect it's because it's more expensive than the alternatives.

suzied I was told that too and was quite confident that all the weight bearing exercise I did (including running half marathons) would protect me.

It didn't!

Having said that, who knows? I might have been a lot worse without that exercise.

I too have been offered the 6 monthly injection but so far have chickened out. The consultant offering it told me to go away and google the side effects, which I did - I think she might have been trying to put me off, as it did! The major side effect is to reduce the effectiveness of the immune system - plus osteonecrosis of the jaw, spontaneous hip fracture and several other jolly things!

I have been taking once a week alendronic acid for about a year now and don't seem to have any side effects yet.

I'd rather have a once every six months injection though. I wonder why I wasn't offered it.

It's all hit and miss isn't it.

My dad when he had a 'stomach' bleed was taken off Aspirin and Alendronic Acid immediately. He had taken the weekly tablet correctly as his home carers used a blister pack and were instructed to ensure he had not eaten or drank.

I for example take 8 Tramadol a day alongside other things. Tramadol will wipe some people out or they say it makes them dozy. I just get thirsty.

I am aware that one day it might catch up with me but what the alternative is one just carries on and fingers crossed hoping it will never happen to you syndrome.

A Widow's Peak pertains to the hairline that comes to a point at the top of the forehead.

I've been offered a yearly injection/infusion as I can't swallow the alendronic acid tablets. I'm putting off making a decision about it as I've read about the possible side-effects too, plus a whole year is a long time for any side-effects to wear off!

Exactly Anna - that was my reasoning. A side effect that lasts a day or so might be tolerable, but one that lasts 6 months or more.....!?

I discussed it with the consultant. She explained that side effects were very, very rare and the jaw problems were only found in people with appalling dental hygiene. I'm just so relieved not to be taking the alendronic acid any more which was fine for the first five years but then began to affect the oesophagus and cause heartburn and reflux. The next one was Renalate which caused diarrhoea and finally I was offered the injection. I'm sure it's all down to cost. They start with the cheapest and then move up.

At least your consultant explained the risks - mine just told me to look it up on google! Not very helpful, as it is difficult to judge the extent of the risk in relation to the extent of one's condition, which is the sort of advice that should have been given. I am tempted to ask for another appointment to clarify things.

My initial blood tests have been sent away (to test for calcium levels?) and I have an appointment with my consultant at the beginning of June, so will discuss things with her more fully!