How to Get Rid of Buffalo Hump

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve developed a hump-like mass high on your back, you are probably wondering what it is and what you can do about it. These “humps” are actually a small pad of fat and are commonly called buffalo humps or dowager’s humps. Technically, they are called kyphosis. You can talk to your doctor about underlying causes and the possibility of cosmetic surgery. If your hump isn’t severe, you might be able to correct it with physical therapy or at-home exercises. Once you’re rid of your hump, you can take steps to try to prevent it from coming back.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Medical Treatment

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-1.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you notice that a hump is forming. Your doctor can talk to you about your medical history and determine how to proceed. Common causes include: [1]
    • Poor posture
    • Osteoporosis
    • Cushing syndrome
    • Prescription medications
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-2.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your doctor suspects the hump is due to something other than posture, they may order some tests to help figure out the cause. If they suspect Cushing syndrome, for instance, they might do urine or blood analysis. [2]
    • They might also order a bone density test or imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-3.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause humps to form. The risk increases the longer you take the medicine. Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking. [4]
    • If your doctor thinks the hump is related to your medication, they might tell you to stop taking that medication.
    • Do not ever stop taking medication without discussing it with your doctor first.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-4.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most people don’t experience pain with a hump, but you might suffer from chronic muscle tightness or soreness. If you’re in pain, or just want your hump gone, talk to your doctor about surgical options. [5]
    • This surgery typically takes about 45 minutes. You might go under general or local anesthesia, depending on what your doctor thinks is best.
    • The best part is that you'll be up and moving around the same day as your surgery! Most people report a significant reduction in pain within 4-5 days.
    • If your hump is pretty small and not painful, your doctor might not recommend surgery.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reduction Exercises

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-5.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Physical exercises can help reduce the size of your hump. Ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. They will be able to guide you through a series of exercises that you can eventually perform on your own. [6]
    • Talk to your insurance provider about whether your plan covers physical therapy.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-6.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Do yoga 3 times per week. Once study showed that taking an hour long yoga class 3 times per week for 24 weeks had a 4.4% improvement in their hump. [7] Look into yoga classes in your area and enroll in one that is at your skill level. Even if you have never done yoga before, you can find a class that works for you.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-7.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take 2 socks, roll 1 up, and tuck it inside of the other 1. Then, sit in a high backed chair or lean against a wall. Position the balled up sock between your hump and the chair or wall. Then, do neck exercises, such as by moving your head from side to side, looking down and looking up, or doing head rolls. [8]
    • You can also lay on the floor or on a foam pad or roller with the sock under your hump. This will help to stretch it out, but it may be uncomfortable to do for more than a few minutes.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-8.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In addition to, or instead of, physical therapy, you can do exercises at home to help reduce your hump. Purchase a small massage ball online or at any store that sells exercise equipment.
    • Lie on the floor with your head resting on the massage ball. Make sure the ball is pressing into the base of your head.
    • Gently rock your head from side to side. Spend 1 minute on the right side and 1 minute on the left side.
    • Do this once a day, or more often if your muscles are feeling especially tight.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-9.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tuck your chin into your chest while either standing or sitting. Using your hand, gently pull your head down to stretch your neck. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat this 3 times, once a day.
    • Exercises might help reduce your hump. Keep doing them daily even after your hump is gone to help prevent it from coming back.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-10.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Face forward with your chin parallel to the ground. Slide your head slowly from side to side so that you can feel a stretch. Repeat this 20 times.
    • Do a set of head slides daily.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-11.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There's no quick fix for getting rid of a hump. Understand that it could be several weeks or a few months before you see results. Each person is different, so it is difficult to say exactly how long improvement should take. If you're concerned that your routine is not working, talk to your doctor about other solutions.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Prevention

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-12.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Standing and sitting up straight might help reduce your odds of developing a hump. Make it a point to think about your posture throughout the day. If you notice yourself slumping, straighten your spine. [9]
    • When you are standing, keep your head high, shoulders back, and stomach in.
    • While sitting, make sure your back forms a right angle with your thighs.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-13.jpg\/aid7333811-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Being overweight can increase the risk of developing a hump. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are at a healthy weight. If necessary, follow your doctor’s advice to lose weight with diet and exercise. [10]
    • Eat a balanced diet full of plenty of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbs.
    • Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
  3. 3
    Increase your calcium intake if you are over 51. As you age, your risk of osteoporosis increases. Talk to your doctor about increasing the calcium in your diet. [11]
    • Add more calcium-rich foods to your diet, such as almonds, yogurt, and milk.
    • Your doctor might recommend taking a daily calcium supplement. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you’ve had a hump, it can come back. Make sure to keep up with preventative measures.
        Thanks
      • Talk to your doctor before making major changes to your diet or exercise routine.
        Thanks
      • Most humps aren’t painful, but if you experience pain or issues like shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Crack Your Shoulder Blades
      How to
      Crack Your Neck
      How to
      Crack Your Shoulder
      How to Get Rid of Rounded Shoulders and Improve Your Posture Fast
      How to
      Strengthen Your Rotator Cuffs
      How to
      Fix a Dislocated Shoulder
      How to Fix Neck Pain
      How to
      Work out With a Shoulder Injury
      How to
      Work Out a Shoulder Knot
      How to
      Realign Your Neck
      How to
      Apply Shoulder Injury Compression Wraps
      How to
      Fix a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder
      How to
      Sleep After Shoulder Surgery
      The Proper Way to Sleep with a Neck Pillow
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17671-kyphosis
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5497-cushing-syndrome
      3. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-densitometry
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5497-cushing-syndrome
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17671-kyphosis
      6. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907357/
      7. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga
      8. ↑ https://www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/KnowYourBack/CervicalExercise.pdf
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-effects-of-poor-posture
      1. ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/losing-weight
      2. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/calcium-and-bone-health.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you've developed a buffalo hump on your back, you can try to reduce it at home by practicing yoga 3 times a week, stretching your muscles with head slides and chin tucks, or going to a physical therapist for more advice. However, if you don't notice an improvement after several weeks, talk to your doctor about the possible underlying cause, so you can figure out how to get rid of it. Although the hump might be from bad posture, your doctor may suggest diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, or urinalysis, if they suspect a different cause, like osteoporosis or Cushing syndrome. Your doctor may also suggest you stop taking certain prescription medications to reduce your hump, or recommend surgery if your hump is causing you pain. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to prevent a buffalo hump from forming, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 202,706 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Khoh Biyase

        Mar 13, 2020

        "I did not know what's happening to me. Now I understand it is a buffalo hump. Thanks!"
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement