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QUESTION:
I have a dull, constant pain in the back of my lower neck, in an area that my mother used to refer to as the "dowagers hump" I'm otherwise a healthy, almost 60 yr. old woman. I take one medication (QVAR 80), an inhaler for asthma (acute). I work 40 hrs/wk at a fairly stressful-sit-down-in-front-of-a-computer-job, but am a happy person and spend lots of time with my grandchildren. I don't exercise much, and am single. My question is: What causes constant pain in the "dowagers hump" area? I don't have rounded shoulders, or a humped back. Can my medication be causing the pain? I've had the pain for 2 or 3 months. I've been taking QVAR 80 for over a year. Is it a calcium deficiency? What else would be causing this? Thank you, Pain in the Neck
ASK HEALTH & FITNESS'S DR. JULIO MORA ANSWERS:
Dear Pain:
"Dowagers hump" or kyphosis is a result of advanced osteoporosis. The spinal vertebrae become weaker and often fracture spontaneously. With this kind of fracture, the front of the vertebrae collapse. It doesn't cause pain. In your case, I suggest you consult with your private physician to evaluate you for osteoporosis. If it's osteoporosis, you need to start treatment. Your personal physician will also want to eliminate other possible causes of the pain in the cervical spine, such as spinal fracture, myofascial pain, disk disruption syndrome, poor posture, poor sleep habits, and, in your case, a work station problem.
No, your medication is not causing your problem, but long term use of your medication can aggravate osteoporosis.
Yes, you may need to take calcium along with other medications (bifosfonates, etc.) to treat the osteoporosis. Thanks for your question. Julio Mora, MD.
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