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Getting shorter or a hunched back

Also called: Height loss, kyphosis, dowager's hump

Getting shorter or developing a hunched back can be a sign of compression fractures in the spine from osteoporosis. A bone density test can check. Sudden severe back pain needs prompt care.

Common causesOsteoporosis, spine fractures, posture
Usually serious?Can be
Get checked ifHeight loss or a hunched back
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Osteoporosis weakens bones so spine bones can collapse, causing height loss and a forward curve.

Poor posture and arthritis can also cause a hunched back.

When to get medical care

Call 911Back pain with weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder control.
Get care todaySudden severe back pain.
See a doctor soonLosing more than 1.5 inches of height. A hunched back.

Causes

Causes include osteoporosis, compression fractures, posture, and arthritis.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause getting shorter or a hunched back. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Osteoporosis (bone loss)See a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Thinning bones that break more easily, often with no signs until a bone breaks.

What you can do at home

  • Do posture and strength exercises.
  • Get calcium and vitamin D.
  • Prevent falls.

Medicines

Osteoporosis medicines lower fracture risk.

At the doctor

A bone density test checks for osteoporosis.

Questions you may be asked

  • Height loss
  • Back pain

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

  • DEXA scan
  • Spine X-rays

Prevention

Protect bones.

  • Exercise
  • Get calcium and vitamin D
  • Don't smoke

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.