Possible causes
A hunchback can be caused by changes in the vertebrae due to certain diseases such as osteoporosis, Bechterew’s disease or Scheuermann’s disease, but also long-term bad posture in everyday life or heavy loads such as heavy lifting in front of the body can promote a hunchback. This leads to a change in the statics of the spine, which affects our entire body. This is usually accompanied by shoulders being pulled forward (protraction) and an overstretched cervical spine. Our ribs, which are attached to the thoracic spine, also change their physiological position and breathing difficulties can occur.
Summary
The hunchback is a common form of spinal malposition due to an increased muscle tension of the abdominal muscles and a weakness of the back muscles. Our daily work often favors a forward bent posture and thus also the hunchback. Disease patterns such as osteoporosis or ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to a hunchback.
The straightening muscles should be strengthened by specific training. Exercises such as rowing or butterfly reverse are recommended. The chest muscles should be stretched.
If there is a hollow back in the lumbar spine in addition to the hunchback in the thoracic spine, the abdominal muscles should be strengthened. The chest and shoulder muscles should be stretched. Mobilising exercises should also be part of the training against the hunchback.
Yoga and Pilates exercises combine strengthening, stretching and breathing and are therefore generally very suitable for training against the hunchback. Since hunchback or hollow back is a long-term acquired bad posture, all exercises should be performed consistently and persistently. A homework program with exercises against the hunchback is essential for training success. In case of pain or discomfort after or during the exercises, the trainer or therapist should always be consulted.
