Doctors say a fatty bulge at the base of the neck known as a “buffalo hump” can signal underlying health conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome or long-term steroid use, not just poor posture or weight gain.
Experts distinguish true fat deposits from posture-related spinal changes
A true buffalo hump feels soft and fatty, according to Dr. Rachel Mason, a Las Vegas-based plastic surgeon, even as a dowager’s hump caused by spinal curvature requires different treatment. Dr. Dahlia Rice of Chicago noted that forward head posture can make a hump appear more pronounced even without significant fat buildup. The distinction matters due to the fact that misdiagnosis could delay treatment for endocrine disorders.
Cortisol levels and certain medications drive abnormal fat accumulation
Elevated cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, can lead to fat deposits in the neck and upper back, experts say. Long-term use of steroids and some HIV treatments may also contribute to the condition. Health.com reported that glucocorticoid medications are among the drugs linked to this fat redistribution.
For more on this story, see Buffalo Hump: Causes, Treatments, and Hidden Health Risks.
Sudden growth or accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation
If the lump appears suddenly, continues to grow, or is paired with fatigue, muscle weakness, blood pressure changes, easy bruising, or purple stretch marks, patients should seek medical evaluation, Rice advised. Mason added that these signs could point to an endocrine disorder rather than a cosmetic issue. Treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
What causes a buffalo hump besides weight gain?
Hormonal changes involving elevated cortisol, long-term steroid use, and certain HIV medications can cause fat buildup in the neck and upper back, according to experts cited in the report.
How can you tell if a neck lump is a true buffalo hump?
A true buffalo hump feels soft and fatty, while a posture-related dowager’s hump stems from spinal curvature and feels structural, not fatty, as explained by Dr. Rachel Mason.
