Ans : The rib hump is due to scoliosis and scoliosis usually affects the entire spine although it will be more pronounced in one particular region. Looking carefully at the above image will reveal the subtle lateral curve in the lumbar spine as well. Reason for the rib hump : When the spine is tilted laterally ( scoliosis ), the ribs of the opposite hemithorax ( i.e convex side ), flare out and are rotated backwards. This becomes more pronounced on bending forward and can be used as a subtle way to bring out a mild scoliosis. Also, during conservative management ( with exercise ) of idiopathic scoliosis esp. without bony involvement - this rotation of the hemithorax should be borne in mind while prescribing exercises. Exercises to correct both the lateral bend and the rotation, if prescribed together will hasten the improvement and give better results. Also the changes in the lumbar spine, will be a mirror image of the changes in the thoracic spine and exercises for correcting them should also be prescribed. see image below I hope this was informative (-:
