A buffalo hump is an accumulation of fat and tissue at the base of the neck. It often signals underlying health conditions affecting fat distribution. While often a cosmetic concern, it frequently indicates deeper physiological changes. Understanding its causes and implications is important.
What Exactly Is a Buffalo Hump?
A buffalo hump, also known medically as a dorsocervical fat pad, is a prominent fatty deposit that forms on the upper back, where the neck meets the upper back. It is primarily composed of fat and appears as a distinct lump between the shoulder blades.
Its size and prominence vary. It is important to distinguish a buffalo hump from a “dowager’s hump,” which is a spinal curvature often caused by osteoporosis or poor posture. It is a fat deposit, not a spinal deformity. Unlike other growths, this fatty accumulation is typically mobile and does not involve inflammation.
Underlying Causes of a Buffalo Hump
Its development often indicates an imbalance or systemic issue. One primary medical cause is Cushing’s Syndrome, caused by prolonged high cortisol levels. In Cushing’s Syndrome, excess cortisol leads to fat redistribution, with characteristic deposits in areas like the face (“moon face”), above the collar bones, and the back of the neck.
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, like prednisone, can also induce a buffalo hump. These medications mimic cortisol’s effects, and prolonged use causes similar fat redistribution. Obesity also contributes, as excess body fat can accumulate in the upper back.
Other medications are also associated with its development. Some antiretroviral drugs for HIV, especially older ones, can cause lipodystrophy, an abnormal fat distribution that includes fat accumulation in the dorsocervical area. Anti-seizure medications are less common causes. Lipodystrophy is a broader term where the body either loses fat tissue in some areas or accumulates it abnormally in others, which can manifest as a buffalo hump. Genetic predisposition and chronic poor posture can also be contributing factors.
Related Health Considerations
While often a cosmetic concern, a buffalo hump can also lead to physical discomfort and broader health implications. It can cause pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck and upper back. This mass can also restrict the range of motion in the neck and shoulders, making activities challenging and impacting flexibility.
Its presence often signals underlying medical conditions. For instance, if caused by Cushing’s Syndrome, individuals may also exhibit signs such as easy bruising, thin skin, purple stretch marks, generalized weight gain with thin limbs, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and sometimes diabetes. Treating the hump often involves managing these associated health issues. Its aesthetic impact can also affect self-esteem and mental well-being, potentially contributing to anxiety or depression.
Identifying and Addressing a Buffalo Hump
Identifying a buffalo hump typically begins with a physical examination by a healthcare professional, who assesses the fatty deposit. Further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the cause. These include blood tests for hormone levels, especially cortisol, to check for Cushing’s Syndrome. Imaging studies, like MRI or CT scans, can evaluate fat accumulation and rule out other issues. An ultrasound can differentiate it from other masses like a lipoma.
Addressing a buffalo hump primarily focuses on treating its underlying condition. If medication, like corticosteroids, is the cause, a doctor may adjust the dosage or explore alternative treatments, though patients should never stop prescribed medications without medical guidance. For cases linked to Cushing’s Syndrome, treatment may involve managing cortisol levels through medication, radiation, or surgical removal of tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands.
When obesity is a contributing factor, weight management through diet and exercise can help reduce overall fat accumulation, potentially decreasing the hump’s size. While lifestyle changes can improve posture, they are often insufficient to eliminate an established buffalo hump entirely, especially if caused by hormonal imbalances or medications. Surgical removal, via liposuction or direct excision, is an option for cosmetic reasons or when the mass causes significant discomfort. However, surgery is most effective when the underlying cause is addressed, as the hump may otherwise recur.