A doctor has warned about a common condition which could be a sign of another underlying medical problem.
As more people spend their days at desks, whether at home or in a workplace, posture-related problems are becoming increasingly common.
Hours spent leaning toward a laptop can gradually affect how the spine and neck sit. Now, a surgeon has highlighted one noticeable change that may be linked to posture, but could also point to something more serious.
The issue is often referred to as a “buffalo hump,” which Chicago plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics Dr Dahlia Rice described as “a fullness at the base of the neck or upper back area”.
Dr Rice explained that there are several possible reasons it can develop, and everyday posture habits may be one of them.
She noted that a rounded upper spine and a forward head position can make the area look more prominent—two patterns that can be worsened by long stretches working at a computer.
However, she also cautioned that it isn’t always just a posture issue, and in some cases it can be tied to medication or other health conditions.
Dr Rice told Fox News Digital: “Depending on the pattern and timing, it could also signal an underlying medical issue.”
She added: “In some cases, it can be associated with medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or long-term use of steroids.”
Dr Rice also said certain symptoms alongside the hump should prompt a person to consult a medical professional.
“If it’s paired with fatigue, muscle weakness or changes in blood pressure, patients should seek medical evaluation,” said Dr Rice.
Cleveland Clinic explains that a buffalo hump involves a buildup of body fat “at the base of the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades”.
Although “buffalo hump” is a casual term, the medical name is dorsocervical fat pad hypertrophy.
According to Cleveland Clinic, one frequent cause is having elevated levels of cortisol in the body.
Cortisol is a hormone linked to the body’s stress response. It plays an important role in helping us react to danger, but persistently high levels can contribute to a range of health issues, including impacts on mental wellbeing.
When cortisol levels are excessively high, it may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, which Dr Rice referenced earlier.
Cleveland Clinic notes that treatment depends on what’s causing the fat buildup.
In some situations, weight loss may reduce it. But if an underlying condition such as Cushing’s syndrome is involved, addressing that medical issue is essential.
If you are worried about something, you should seek medical advice.