Can Scoliosis Treatment Help Increase Height? A 19-Year-Old's Inquiry

Inquiry about scoliosis and physical height increase?

Hello doctor, I am currently 19 years old, 165 cm tall, and weigh 59 kg.
My height has not increased much since the third year of junior high school.
I had X-rays of my hand joints during my sophomore year of high school and freshman year of college, and the doctors said the growth plates were closed.
During a health check in junior high, it seemed that I had a scoliosis issue, and recently, while working out, a friend noticed that I have uneven shoulders.
I have heard that some people have grown 1 to 1.5 cm in height after scoliosis treatment; is that true? However, I have had good flexibility since childhood, with a forward bend score of over 40 cm.
Should I seek treatment for scoliosis and uneven shoulders?

Yue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/26

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, after treatment for scoliosis, it is indeed possible to gain height.
Scoliosis and shoulder asymmetry require rehabilitation therapy.

Reply Date: 2019/09/26

More Info

Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, is a condition that can affect individuals in various ways, including their posture, comfort, and potentially their height. As a 19-year-old, you are at a stage where your growth plates may have already closed, which typically occurs in late adolescence. However, it is understandable to be concerned about your height and the impact of scoliosis on your overall appearance and health.

To address your question about whether scoliosis treatment can help increase height, it is important to clarify a few points. First, scoliosis itself does not directly inhibit growth in height. However, severe cases of scoliosis can lead to postural changes that may create the appearance of being shorter than one’s actual height. In some instances, treatment for scoliosis, such as bracing or surgery, may help improve posture and spinal alignment, which could result in a slight increase in height due to better spinal positioning. Reports of individuals gaining 1 to 1.5 cm in height after scoliosis treatment are not uncommon, but these changes are generally modest.

Regarding your specific situation, it is crucial to consider the degree of your scoliosis and whether it is causing any functional issues or discomfort. If your scoliosis is mild and not causing pain or significant postural problems, treatment may not be necessary. However, if you are experiencing discomfort, or if your scoliosis is more pronounced, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a physical therapist. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate interventions, which may include physical therapy, exercises to strengthen your back and core, or, in more severe cases, surgical options.

In addition to addressing scoliosis, it is also important to consider your overall health and fitness. Engaging in regular exercise, including strength training and flexibility exercises, can improve your posture and overall body mechanics. This may help alleviate any discomfort associated with high shoulder or uneven posture. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for bone health, especially during your late teenage years and early twenties when your body is still developing.

Lastly, while it is natural to be concerned about height, it is also important to embrace your unique body and focus on aspects of health and fitness that you can control. Height is just one aspect of your overall physical presence, and confidence, posture, and fitness can significantly impact how you feel about yourself.

In summary, while scoliosis treatment may lead to slight increases in height due to improved posture, the primary goal of treatment should be to alleviate any discomfort and improve functional outcomes. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

Similar Q&A

Can Growth Hormone Therapy Help Increase Height in Young Adults?

At 21 years old and 148 cm tall, there are limited options for increasing height, as most individuals reach their maximum height by the end of puberty. However, here are some potential approaches: 1. Consult an Endocrinologist: A specialist can evaluate if there are any unde...

Dr. Lin Jianliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your situation, it may be necessary to consult a specialist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for growth hormone therapy.

Can Adult Height Increase Through Spinal Exercises? A Medical Inquiry

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 c...

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics
Hello, I do not understand the system theory you mentioned regarding the company. Please forgive me.

Correcting 8-Degree Scoliosis: Can Treatment Increase Height?

Scoliosis of 8 degrees! How can it be corrected? Will height increase after correction? Please answer me, doctor! Thank you!

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Correction is usually required when the angle exceeds 20 degrees.

Height Increase Surgery: Options, Costs, and Recovery Insights

I am currently a freshman in college. Due to a kidney disease I had in childhood, I was treated with steroids, which caused my growth plates to fuse early, resulting in a short stature of only 140 cm. Is it possible to improve this condition through surgery? If I want to increase...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
It is recommended that you consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist to determine the nature of your issue (which specific condition it is caused by). If it is due to a medical condition, you may be eligible for insurance coverage. The surgery to extend the limb by ten centimeter...