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Hump behind the shoulders (Dorsocervical fat pad)
Buffalo hump; Dorsocervical fat pad
A hump behind the shoulders is an area of fat accumulation on the back of the neck. The medical name of this condition is dorsocervical fat pad.
Considerations
A hump behind the shoulders by itself is not a sign of a specific condition. The health care provider must consider this along with other symptoms and test results.
Causes
Cause of dorsocervical fat pad includes any of the following:
- Certain medicines used to treat HIV or AIDS
- Long-term use of certain glucocorticoid medicines, including prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone
- Obesity
-
High level of the hormone cortisol
(caused by
Cushing syndrome
)
High level of the hormone cortisol
Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a high level of the hormone cortisol.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCushing syndrome
Cushing syndrome is a disorder that occurs when your body has a high level of the hormone cortisol.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Certain genetic disorders that cause unusual fat accumulation
Osteoporosis may cause a curvature of the spine in the neck called kyphoscoliosis . This causes an abnormal shape but does not by itself cause excessive fat in the back of the neck.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).
Kyphoscoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Your spine is your backbone. It runs straight down your back. Everyone's spine naturally curves a b...
Home Care
If the hump is caused by a certain medicine, your provider may tell you to stop taking the medicine or change the dosage. DO NOT stop taking the medicine without first talking to your provider.
Diet and exercise can help you lose weight and may relieve some fat accumulation due to obesity.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Make an appointment with your provider if you have an unexplained hump behind the shoulders.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be ordered to determine the cause.
Treatment will be aimed at the problem that caused the fat to develop in the first place.
References
Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ. Lypodystrophies. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ, eds. Dermatology Essentials . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 84.
Tsoukis MA, Mantzoros CS. Lypodystrophy syndromes. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 37.
Review Date: 10/28/2015
Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
