Can Adult Height Increase Through Spinal Exercises? A Medical Inquiry

Inquiry about height increase (related to the spine) (Terlipressin)

Hello Doctor: I am a 22-year-old student, currently about 167 cm tall, and my growth rate has been very slow.
It seems that my growth plates have closed.
Recently, I came across a company (Tolo Gao) that promotes height increase for adults.
They emphasize that through lifestyle changes, specific exercises, and strengthening spinal muscles, the intervertebral discs can thicken, leading to increased height.
They particularly stress that the closure of growth plates is not an issue because the thickness of the intervertebral discs can be increased through training (they differentiate between "growth" and "height increase," with growth referring to the period before the growth plates close).
I have seen in the news that stretching or spinal alignment correction can indeed result in a slight height increase (usually a few centimeters, around 2-5 cm), but the founder of this company claims to have increased his height by 11 cm using this system.
I am somewhat skeptical and would like to ask the doctor if the theory behind this system (intervertebral disc height increase) is reasonable and if it is feasible.
(This company does exist and has applied for a patent.)

Li Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/21

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, I do not understand the system theory you mentioned regarding the company.
Please forgive me.

Reply Date: 2019/05/21

More Info

The inquiry about whether adults can increase their height through spinal exercises is a common one, especially among young adults who are concerned about their height. At the age of 22, it is likely that your growth plates have closed, which typically occurs in the late teens to early twenties. Once these growth plates are closed, the potential for increasing height through natural growth is minimal.
The concept presented by the company you mentioned, which claims that spinal exercises can thicken intervertebral discs and thus increase height, is intriguing but should be approached with caution. While it is true that certain exercises can improve posture and spinal alignment, leading to a temporary increase in height due to decompression of the spine, this effect is usually modest. The increase in height from such exercises is generally in the range of 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 centimeters) and is not a permanent change.
Intervertebral discs can indeed be affected by exercise. Strengthening the muscles around the spine can improve support and stability, potentially leading to better posture. Good posture can make a person appear taller, as slouching can compress the spine and make one seem shorter. However, this does not equate to actual bone growth or significant increases in height.
The claims of the company regarding the ability to increase height significantly (like the 11 cm mentioned) should be viewed skeptically. Such dramatic changes in height are not supported by current medical understanding. Height is primarily determined by genetics, and while lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise can influence growth during the developmental years, they have limited impact once growth plates have closed.

If you are interested in improving your posture and spinal health, engaging in exercises that strengthen the core and back muscles can be beneficial. Activities such as yoga, Pilates, and specific stretching routines can enhance flexibility and alignment, which may help you stand taller and feel more confident. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to overall well-being.

In conclusion, while spinal exercises can improve posture and potentially lead to a slight increase in height due to decompression, the idea of significantly increasing height in adults through these methods is not supported by scientific evidence. If you have concerns about your height or spinal health, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist who can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual situation.

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