Is the “bone” at the back of your neck sticking out? C7 prominence vs “buffalo hump”, causes & proven relief

What are you actually seeing there?

• C7 spinous process (normal bone): We all have seven cervical vertebrae; the 7th (C7) naturally sits most prominently.

• Why it looks bigger: Forward‑head posture, rounded shoulders and tight chest/upper‑back tissues push C7 backwards visually, so it seems to stick out more—especially in a slouched position.

• When it’s not just posture: A dorsocervical fat pad (“buffalo hump”) can form with weight gain, long‑term steroid use, some medications or conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome. That is fat, not bone.

Quick self‑checks

• Does the bump flatten when you do a gentle chin tuck and stand tall? → Likely posture‑related.

• Is the area soft and squishy rather than hard bone? → Could be fat accumulation; speak to your GP, especially if it’s getting bigger.

• Do you have numbness, tingling, weakness, fever, recent trauma or unexplained weight loss? → Medical check first.

How we help at J&J Therapy

Recommended service matrix

Your main issue	Our best‑fit service	Why it helps
Forward‑head posture, stiff neck/shoulders	Posture‑correction therapeutic massage + physiotherapy exercise coaching	Releases overactive upper traps/levator/suboccipitals; restores mobility; retrains deep neck flexors & scapular stabilisers.
Painful knots that keep coming back	Shockwave therapy (ESWT) for myofascial trigger points	Helps deactivate chronic trigger points in upper traps/rhomboids; encourages local healing.
Acute tightness or flare‑ups	Ultrasound therapy + gentle soft‑tissue + TENS (electrotherapy) as needed	Short‑term pain relief, tissue warming and relaxation to let you move again.
Swelling after illness/surgery	Manual lymphatic drainage (when indicated)	Eases lymph congestion; note: it does not remove fat pads.
Suspected fat pad from medication/medical condition	Collaborative care	We treat posture, mobility and pain while you consult your GP about the underlying cause.

Your treatment pathway

1. Consultation & posture assessment – history, movement screen, red‑flag check.

2. Hands‑on corrective massage / ESWT / ultrasound – selected to match your presentation.

3. Personal exercise plan – simple drills you can actually keep up with.

4. Progress review & load management – typically weekly or fortnightly depending on goals.

Your 5‑minute daily home plan

• Chin tucks (standing/sitting): 5 × 10‑second holds, 2–3/day.

• Thoracic extension over a rolled towel/foam roller: 1–2 minutes.

• Doorway pec stretch: 2 × 30‑second holds each side.

• Scapular setting (“W” rows with band): 2 × 12 reps.

• Workstation & sleep tweaks: screen at eye level, elbows by your side, micro‑breaks every 30–40 min; pillow that keeps your neck neutral.

When to see your GP first

• Trauma, fever, night pain, rapid swelling, unexplained weight loss.

• Arm/hand numbness, weakness or severe radiating pain.

• A growing soft lump at the back of the neck or signs of steroid‑related side‑effects.

FAQs

Is the bone “out of place”?Usually no—C7 is normal; posture makes it look bigger.

Can massage fix the hump?Massage won’t change bone or remove fat, but it reduces stiffness and pain so the area looks and feels better while you improve posture.

Will lymphatic massage remove a buffalo hump?No. It helps swelling, not fat. For fat pads related to medication/conditions, speak with your GP.

How many sessions do I need?Varies by person. Many feel relief in the first few sessions when hands‑on care is paired with the right exercises.

Ready to feel lighter through your neck and shoulders?

Text/WhatsApp: 07882 943540 (AI‑assisted main line) • 07935 869938Email: info@jjwellcare.comOpening hours: Tue–Wed 9:00–19:20 • Thu Closed • Fri–Sat 9:00–19:20 • Mon Closed