Guo An Tang TCM Clinic

3 TCM Tips to improve
"Buffalo Hump"

How Much Do You Know About the Dangers of a “Buffalo Hump”? In our daily lives, we often look down at our phones or stick our necks forward to work on computers. Over time, this posture changes the natural curve of our cervical spine. The lower cervical spine bends too far forward, while the upper thoracic spine curves excessively backward. 

This leads to an abnormal protrusion at the neck-to-upper-back junction. The surrounding muscles can also become tight, swollen, and stiff, making this bump more noticeable. This is commonly known as a “buffalo hump” or “neck hump.”

While many people think a buffalo hump is purely a neck problem, it’s actually linked to poor posture and excessive thoracic kyphosis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we see this as a result of stagnation of Qi and blood in the neck and upper back due to prolonged strain.

In the past, buffalo humps were more common among manual laborers who carried heavy loads. But now, it’s a widespread issue, affecting working professionals, teenagers, adults, and seniors alike.

TCM buffalo hump

Dangers of a Buffalo Hump

  1. Affects Blood Circulation to the Brain
    The hump can press on the vertebral artery, reducing blood flow to the brain. This may cause dizziness, blurred vision, memory issues, insomnia, and, in severe cases, increase the risk of stroke.

  2. Nerve and Sympathetic System Compression
    The buffalo hump may irritate the sympathetic nerves, leading to symptoms like chest tightness, heart palpitations, poor sleep, rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, and even high blood pressure.

  3. Pinched Nerves
    Compression of nerve roots can lead to symptoms similar to cervical spondylosis, such as dizziness or numbness and tingling in the arms.

  4. Chronic Pain and Stiffness
    The hump may damage the soft tissues in the upper back, causing widespread tightness, soreness, or numbness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back region.

TCM Buffalo Hump

TCM Tips to Relieve Buffalo Hump?

In TCM, we focus on improving posture, reducing muscle tension, and restoring the flow of Qi and blood in the affected area. Here are some self-care tips you can try:

1.
Release the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (a TCM-inspired Massage):

  • Stand relaxed and turn your head slightly to one side to expose the opposite side of your neck.
  • Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch and knead the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the long muscle running from your jaw to your collarbone).
  • Massage up and down until you feel a soothing, slightly sore sensation.

2. Strengthen the Middle and Lower Trapezius Muscles (for Better Qi Flow):

  • Lie face down on a yoga mat with your arms bent into a “W” shape, thumbs pointing upward.
  • Gently lift your arms and squeeze your shoulder blades together while keeping your neck neutral.
  • This helps balance the tension in the upper back and shoulders, a common focus in TCM body alignment techniques.

3. Neck and Spine Realignment Exercise (Encourage Blood and Qi Circulation):

  • Stand with your back against a wall, feet slightly away from it.
  • Bend your knees slightly and ensure your lower back, shoulders, and pelvis touch the wall.
  • Slightly tuck your chin and place a thin book behind your head.
  • Press the back of your head into the book, keeping your chin tucked.

Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat 3–5 times.

Professional TCM Treatments
If the buffalo hump persists, consider seeking professional TCM treatments like Acupuncture, Scraping (Gua Sha), or Tui Na. These therapies can help release muscle tension, improve circulation, and unblock Qi stagnation.

Combined with regular stretching and posture correction exercises, this holistic approach can effectively reduce and prevent the buffalo hump from worsening.

TCM Buffalo Hump Exercise

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortcut to fixing a buffalo hump. It takes a combination of professional evaluation, proper posture, and regular exercise. With consistency, you can reduce the hump, relieve discomfort, and regain a healthier posture!

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