Widow's hump: hunchback due to osteoporosis

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Crooked back: osteoporosis can lead to an increased bending posture

Women after the menopause and at an older age in particular can be affected by a hunchback caused by osteoporosis. Men can also develop osteoporosis. This is why the term "widow's hump" is popularly used to describe the abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine (hyperkyphosis).

The hunchback caused by osteoporosis, can be very painful. In addition, the body's center of gravity shifts forward due to the malposition. The increased forward of the upper bodycurvature changes the statics of the body and leads to an increased tendency to sway. Possible consequence: a higher risk of falling.

It can also lead to a reduction in lung function, which can make breathing difficult for those affected.

Cause for the development of a "widow's hump"

Osteoporosis causes bones to lose density and stability: they become porous and can break more easily. The reduced bone density and mass can lead to a widow's hump.

More on the causes of osteoporosis

Symptoms and signs of a hunchback

The most obvious sign of a widow's hump is the excessive curvature of the thoracic spine (hyperkyphosis). Characteristic is also (especially in older people) the fir tree phenomenon: it describes the appearance of the skin on the back, which is wrinkled due to vertebral compression and fractures caused by progressive osteoporosis. The skin folds resemble a fir tree.  

Those affected by an osteoporotic hunchback can also experience severe pain. In the case of the widow's hump, this is mainly caused by the static changes that affect the entire spinal apparatus in the long term: The increased bending posture leads to shortening, hardening and tension in the muscles and tendons. If back pain occurs suddenly, doctors will consider, among other things, an acute vertebral fracture . An X-ray will provide information on the exact diagnosis .  

Images of the Tannenbaum phenomenon of a progressive widow's hump (hunchback, kyphosis)

Is it possible to prevent a hunchback caused by osteoporosis?

If you want to prevent a widow's hump, take the same measures as for preventing osteoporosis. Particularly important: exercise, muscle training and a calcium-rich diet from a young age. If you have certain risk factors, it is possible to have your bone density measured. Ask your health insurance provider whether the costs are covered.

Prevention and treatment for osteoporotic hunchback

Osteoporosis-related hunchback is treated in accordance with the S3 guideline Osteoporosis prophylaxis-diagnosis-therapy.¹  

But in the best case scenario, you can prevent a widow's hump from occurring in the first place by using the prevention options described at. 

Patients often want to know whether a widow's hump can be "trained away". If the hunchback is caused by osteoporosis, the deformities of the vertebral bodies result in an anatomically incorrect posture that can no longer be corrected. Certain exercises can help to prevent the hump from getting worse. In addition, orthoses that straighten the spine (see below) support a more upright posture during the day. 

If the hunchback is caused by tension in the muscles and tendons, muscular training and exercise can postureimprove.

Exercises for hunchback

Which doctor treats a hunchback?

Talk to your family doctor first. They will refer you to an orthopaedic or osteological practice.

Products from medi: Straight back despite osteoporosis with Spinomed back orthoses

Spinomed back orthoses spine straightening are medical aids that can counteract the widow's hump and ensure a more upright back: As part of the osteoporosis therapy developed in line with medical guidelines, they activate the trunk muscles and can reduce curvature angle. Thanks to the innovative belt system, users are constantly reminded to maintain an upright posture in accordance with the biofeedback principle of action.^{2, 3}