A chiropractor cannot increase a person’s permanent, biological height because the growth of long bones ceases upon reaching skeletal maturity. The possibility of height gain through chiropractic care is instead related to correcting postural imbalances that may be concealing one’s full standing stature. By addressing spinal compression and poor alignment, a practitioner may restore a temporary increase in standing height. This change does not involve lengthening the bones themselves but rather optimizing the body’s existing framework.
The Biological Limits of Adult Height
Permanent human height is largely determined by genetics, which accounts for about 80% of an individual’s final stature. The long bones of the arms and legs are the primary contributors to this length. Growth occurs at specialized structures called epiphyseal plates, or growth plates. These plates are composed of cartilage cells that constantly divide and are eventually replaced by new bone tissue, a process known as endochondral ossification.
This bone lengthening process continues throughout childhood and adolescence until the growth plates fuse. Once the cartilage is fully replaced by solid bone, the plates close, forming an epiphyseal line. This event, which generally occurs between the ages of 14 and 17 for females and 15 and 20 for males, signals the end of longitudinal bone growth. After this skeletal maturity is reached, no intervention, including chiropractic adjustment, can extend the length of the long bones to achieve permanent height gain.
The Role of Spinal Alignment in Temporary Height Gain
While the long bones cannot be lengthened in adulthood, the spine offers a potential area for temporary height restoration. The vertebral column is composed of 24 movable vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which act as fluid-filled shock absorbers. The cumulative height of all discs and vertebrae is a significant contributor to total standing height.
Poor posture, such as slouching or forward head posture, places uneven pressure on the spine. This causes the discs to compress and the natural spinal curves to exaggerate or flatten. This compression, combined with the daily effects of gravity, reduces the overall length of the spine and a person’s standing height. Spinal adjustments work to restore the spine’s optimal alignment and natural curves in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.
This realignment leads to a temporary decompression of the intervertebral discs, allowing them to rehydrate and regain their maximal thickness. The resulting increase in standing height is simply the optimization of the spine’s existing structure, not new growth. This temporary gain is modest, often ranging from $1/4$ inch up to about one inch, and tends to diminish as gravity and daily activities re-compress the discs.
Chiropractic Methods for Posture Improvement
Chiropractic care aims to achieve temporary height gain by focusing on improved posture and sustained spinal health. The primary method is spinal adjustment or manipulation, which involves applying controlled, targeted force to vertebrae with restricted movement patterns. This action helps to free up stiff joints, realign the spine, and reduce muscle tension contributing to poor posture.
Supporting Techniques
Beyond manipulation, practitioners use several techniques to address muscle imbalances and support corrected posture:
- Soft tissue work, such as myofascial release, to loosen tight muscles in the chest or hips that pull the body out of alignment.
- Corrective exercises and stretches prescribed to strengthen the deep core muscles that support the spine.
- Home-based programs, including exercises like chin tucks or wall angels, to improve mobility and counteract specific postural issues.
- Specific advice on ergonomic adjustments, such as optimizing desk setups or sleeping positions, to reduce daily strain and prevent the rapid return of spinal compression.