Growth Pain and Scoliosis in Adolescents: Height Concerns

Height / Scoliosis / Growing Pains

I got my first period in fifth grade when I was 148 cm tall.
I graduated from elementary school at 152 cm, with my father at 173 cm and my mother at 170 cm.
Based on genetic height, I should be around 164 cm, but now in ninth grade, I am only 157 cm.
Although I have been staying up late since sixth grade, I don't think that would significantly affect my growth.
I participated in track and field in sixth grade but stopped afterward.
I started experiencing growing pains around the second year of junior high, and I still have them frequently.
However, in the past nine months, I have only grown 0.3 cm.
Are the growing pains real? I visited an orthopedic doctor to see if I could get an X-ray of my knees to check if my growth plates have closed, but the doctor said there wasn't enough reason to do so.
Later, he noticed my shoulder was uneven and took an X-ray of my spine, diagnosing me with scoliosis.
He mentioned that I am growing, but unevenly.
However, I have had scoliosis since birth, so this explanation seems unreasonable.

Will girls continue to grow in high school? How many centimeters can I expect to grow? Should I consider seeing another doctor for a growth plate assessment? If my scoliosis is corrected, how much height can I gain? (The doctor mentioned that correction would take at least 10 years.) Is it normal to experience growing pains five times a week without any height increase? (I apologize for the lengthy message, and thank you for your patience in reading it.)

., 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/12

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello, height is generally related to factors such as genetics, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and hormonal levels.
Typically, a person's height will fall between the heights of their parents, but there are many exceptions.
Nutrition, sleep, and exercise are aspects we can actively work on.
As for hormones, abnormalities can manifest in various physical symptoms, and it may be advisable to consult an endocrinologist.

It is quite normal for girls to start menstruating in the fifth grade of elementary school.
Based on your letter, aside from staying up late, there don't seem to be any significant abnormalities.
However, staying up late during puberty can be detrimental to height development.
Taking X-rays to examine growth plates will not actually help with your height; it may only satisfy your curiosity, which is unnecessary.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are what truly matter.
In fact, height does not significantly impact your future achievements, and I believe many people have already mentioned this, so you should understand.
However, regarding scoliosis, I think you should pay attention to it.
Scoliosis can definitely affect height and is likely to worsen during puberty, so regular monitoring is essential.
After the age of 18, if the curvature exceeds 40 degrees, surgical correction is recommended; otherwise, you may experience back pain in the future.
During high school, females can still grow taller, but generally, the increase is not substantial.

Reply Date: 2021/11/12

More Info

Understanding growth pain and scoliosis in adolescents can be quite complex, especially when considering the various factors that influence height and overall development. Based on your situation, it seems you have several concerns regarding your height, growth pains, and the potential impact of scoliosis on your growth.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that height is influenced by a combination of genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Given that your parents are relatively tall, it is reasonable to expect that you might reach a height close to that of your parents, but individual growth patterns can vary significantly. The average height for females can be influenced by the timing of puberty, which appears to have started for you in the fifth grade. Early onset of menstruation can sometimes indicate that a girl may reach her adult height sooner than those who start later, as the growth plates may close earlier.

Regarding your growth pains, it is common for adolescents to experience what is often referred to as "growing pains." These pains typically occur in the legs and can be quite uncomfortable, but they are usually not indicative of any serious underlying condition. However, since you mentioned that you have been experiencing these pains frequently and have not seen a significant increase in height over the past nine months, it may be worth exploring further. Growth pains are not "fake," but they can sometimes be confused with other types of pain, such as those caused by muscle strain or even issues related to scoliosis.

Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, can indeed affect posture and may have implications for growth. If the curvature is significant, it can potentially impact height, but this is not always the case. The degree of curvature and whether it progresses during growth spurts are critical factors. If your scoliosis is mild and not worsening, it may not have a significant impact on your height. However, if it is more severe, it could potentially lead to complications that might affect your overall growth and development.

As for your concerns about whether you will continue to grow during high school, it is still possible for females to gain a few more inches after the onset of menstruation, but the amount can vary widely. On average, girls may grow about 1-3 inches after their first period, but this is not guaranteed.
If you feel that your current physician is not addressing your concerns adequately, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion. A pediatric orthopedic specialist can provide a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like X-rays to assess your growth plates and the degree of scoliosis. Understanding whether your growth plates are still open will help determine if you have any potential for further height increase.

In terms of treatment for scoliosis, if it is determined that your curvature is significant, there are various options available, including physical therapy, bracing, or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention. The timeline for correction can vary, and while some treatments may take years, they can significantly improve posture and potentially allow for some height gain.

In conclusion, while growth pains and scoliosis can be concerning, they are manageable with the right medical guidance. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, as these factors can positively influence your growth and overall well-being. Seeking a second opinion from a specialist may provide you with the clarity and reassurance you need regarding your growth and health.

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