Women who have hyperkyphosis--more commonly called 'dowager's hump'--may be at risk of earlier death. Researchers at UCLA found that women who had hyperkyphosis and who also had a vertebral fracture had a higher risk of early death, even if they did not have osteoporosis. The study of 612 women found that the risk remained even if the vertebral fracture was minor, and even if bone mineral density was normal. Experts say this suggests that any age-related posture change should be taken seriously...