Chiropractic care cannot increase physical height by lengthening bone structure once skeletal maturity is reached. The ability to grow taller is dictated by a biological process that concludes in late adolescence. However, a chiropractor can often help people reclaim height lost due to poor posture and spinal compression, leading to an increase in apparent stature. This correction can result in an appearance of being up to one or two inches taller by optimizing spinal alignment.
Biological Limits on Adult Height
The definitive reason adults stop growing is the closure of the growth plates, also known as epiphyseal plates, located at the ends of long bones. These specialized cartilage structures produce new bone tissue that lengthens the skeleton during childhood and adolescence. Once puberty is complete, hormonal changes cause the cartilage to harden into solid bone, a process called epiphyseal fusion.
This fusion typically occurs between the ages of 14 and 16 for females and 16 and 19 for males, permanently ending the potential for bone lengthening. After this point, the long bones cannot increase in length, meaning true skeletal growth ceases. Genetics are the primary determinant of final height, accounting for an estimated 80% of an individual’s stature.
How Spinal Alignment Affects Stature
While long bones are fixed in length, the spine contributes significantly to overall height and is susceptible to daily changes. The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which are fluid-filled structures acting as shock absorbers. These discs account for a measurable portion of overall stature and are highly sensitive to compression.
Poor posture, such as habitual slouching or a forward head position, places uneven pressure on the spine, compressing the discs and causing them to lose fluid. Chronic compression leads to a reduction in disc height, which, when compounded across the spinal column, can make a person appear shorter. Conditions like exaggerated kyphosis, or a rounded upper back, physically shorten the distance between the head and the hips.
Chiropractic intervention works to reverse this functional height loss by decompressing the spinal column. Realigning the vertebrae helps relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs, allowing them to rehydrate and regain a fraction of their natural height. Restoring the spine’s natural curves, such as the mild inward curve of the lower back (lordosis), also helps the body stack correctly.
Specific Chiropractic Methods Used
Chiropractors employ a range of techniques focused on restoring spinal mobility and reducing muscle tension that contributes to poor posture. The most commonly recognized technique is spinal manipulation, often referred to as an adjustment, which involves applying a controlled force to a joint that is not moving properly. This helps restore normal joint function and mobility throughout the spine.
High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments are frequently used to target misaligned or restricted vertebrae. Specialized methods, such as flexion-distraction or spinal decompression therapy, gently stretch the spine to create negative pressure within the discs. This action encourages fluid exchange, which temporarily increases the height of the intervertebral discs.
Soft tissue work, including massage or stretching techniques, is also a component of care. These methods address muscles that have tightened due to habitual slouching and need to be released to allow the body to hold the corrected spinal position. Chiropractors also prescribe corrective exercises aimed at strengthening the core and postural muscles necessary to stabilize the improved alignment.
Duration of Height Changes and Safety
The increase in height achieved through chiropractic care is typically not permanent and requires consistent effort to maintain. The discs that rehydrate and expand will naturally compress again over time due to gravity and daily activities. For this reason, the benefits of spinal decompression and postural correction often last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual’s lifestyle and spinal condition.
Maintaining the height gain requires adherence to the prescribed corrective exercises and a conscious effort to practice good posture throughout the day. Regular maintenance appointments may also be recommended to sustain optimal spinal alignment and disc health. If a sudden, significant loss of height is noticed, it is advisable to consult a medical doctor to rule out underlying conditions such as severe disc degeneration or osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fractures. Spinal manipulation is considered safe when performed by a licensed professional, and a comprehensive health history is taken to ensure the chosen methods are appropriate.