Though getting older is part of life; it turns out that there are things we do every day that can age us, like watching too much TV or drinking too much alcohol.

Some things can be prevented, which includes shrinking or getting shorter as you get older. However, studies show that the common problem affected elders today is the development of Dowager’s Hump. A condition often appears to have humped upper backs in our body. It affects both men and women.

Dowager’s hump is a nickname for a condition called kyphosis. Posture Resource defines it as “an abnormal, outward curvature of the thoracic vertebrae of the upper back — a visible hump along the back of the spine, and the head juts forward.”

After age 30, women can lose up to three inches in the course their lifetime. This is because the cartilage between our joints wears down, as we get older. A related sign of aging is the development of a Dowager’s hump.This problem can be caused by various conditions and can be treated in several ways depending on those factors.

The dowager’s hump condition sometimes referred to as a question mark posture. It is often a silent disease until a break or fracture occurs.

• There are numerous common causes for a dowager’s hump including:
  Arthritis – The discs lose fluid and the spine collapses on itself can lead the development of a hump.
• Poor Posture – The muscles of the chest become tight due to constant forward rounding.
• Congenital Defects and other medical conditions
• Compression Fractures – Excess pressure on the bones
• Genetic Causes – Malformation of the genes of the parents
• Muscular Imbalance – The chest muscles become tight and weak and upper back muscles become overstretched.
• Wedge Fractures – The front of the vertebra collapses and becomes slightly misaligned making the back curve slightly.
• Result from Injury
• Health Condition – May caused hormonal imbalance may increase the risk of getting this condition.
• Marfan Syndrome – A specific congenital defect of the connective tissues that support the spine.
• Osteoporosis – Abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile porous bones

There are 4 things you can do to prevent certain condition like dowager’s hump.

1. Yoga – Yoga is a great activity for the mind and body. It is also useful for treatment and prevention of kyphosis. Back & Body Medical reports that a study found women who reported going to yoga classes showed less curvature in their backs.
2. Vitamin C And D – According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C is a great source of ascorbic acid that helps keep connective tissues healthy. Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones, because it helps to absorb calcium.
3. Good Posture – It may sound overly simple, but if you make a conscious effort to sit and stand up straight, your back will become stronger and less likely to collapse in on itself.
4. Weight Training – Back & Body Medical explains that weight-bearing exercises help to strengthen your back and prevent bone loss, which are good safeguards against the development of a Dowager’s hump.

Article Sources: Little Things, HealthOsphere, The Shred Nation/Facebook Photo Credit: Academic