dowager's hump
Curved upper spine
A dowager's hump is an outward curvature of the upper spine that creates a rounded hump at the base of the neck.
The condition typically develops in older women from osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures, though poor posture can contribute.
The name references the dowager—a wealthy older widow—though the condition affects people regardless of status or sex.
Mineral content per volume
- fracturesBreaks in rigid material
- calcium deficiencyInadequate calcium levels
- brittle bonesWeak, breakable skeletal tissue
- kyphosisHunched back condition
osteopenia · bone loss · vitamin D · skeletal · bone mass · mineralization · corticosteroids · endocrinology
Hunched back condition
- stoopedBent body forward
- slouchingPoor postural alignment
- curvatureDeviation from flatness
- hunchedBent at spine
rounded shoulders · spinal alignment · postural · ergonomics · chiropractic · physiotherapy · corrective · rehabilitation
Spinal deformity causing stooping
- protrusionPart extending outward
- deformityAbnormal body structure
- prominenceNotable status or visibility
- unsightlyUnpleasant to look at
Advanced in age
- geriatricRelating to elderly care
- senescenceGradual functional decline with age
- postmenopausalAfter menstruation ends permanently
- grandmotherMother of a parent
matriarch · senior · octogenarian · pensioner · retirement · venerable · silver-haired · widow
bone density
Mineral content per volume
- fracturesBreaks in rigid material
- calcium deficiencyInadequate calcium levels
- brittle bonesWeak, breakable skeletal tissue
kyphosis · osteopenia · bone loss · vitamin D · skeletal · bone mass · mineralization · corticosteroids · endocrinology · rheumatology
kyphosis
Hunched back condition
hunched · rounded shoulders · spinal alignment · postural · ergonomics · chiropractic · physiotherapy · corrective · rehabilitation · musculoskeletal
hunchback
Spinal deformity causing stooping
- protrusionPart extending outward
- deformityAbnormal body structure
- prominenceNotable status or visibility
elderly
Advanced in age
- geriatricRelating to elderly care
- senescenceGradual functional decline with age
- postmenopausalAfter menstruation ends permanently
grandmother · matriarch · senior · octogenarian · pensioner · retirement · venerable · silver-haired · widow · matron
dowager's humperect posture
Body held vertically straight
military bearing · neutral spine · swayback · upright posture · ramrod straight
dowager, hump, dower, endow, endowment, endowed, humped, humpback, humpbacked