Articles & Tips On Growing Taller

Fundamental knowledge of the spinal structure and function can dramatically increase your height and growth potential.

The spinal column is one of the most important body parts. Without it you could not support yourself upright and perform many complex functions. A healthy spine will optimise your body’s transmission of energy and go through your daily tasks with ease and comfort.

For adults, there are 33 vertebrae in your spinal column. The first important component of the spine is cartilaginous pads called intervertebra discs. These discs are located between each of these 33 vertebrae. They are pads of soft tissue that lie between the vertebrae. Its main function is to act as shock absorbers and provide separation between each vertebra. It is also responsible for the flexibility of the spine. On average, your total discs account for one-quarter the length of your vertebral column 4.50" to 6" (12 to 15 cm) for most people. The thicker those discs, the longer your spinal column is and the taller you become.

The vertebral column typically consists of 33 vertebrae - 7 cervical , 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral and 4 coccygeal.

The only way for the discs to return to a more youthful state is to stimulate the spine. This can be done by regular stretching and moving the spine through its full range of motion so that blood circulation and fluid content of the discs are increased. Otherwise, the discs may lose its elasticity and become rigid, and hence will lead to height loss. Regular stretching and inversion can help increase your height by expanding the discs and lengthening your spine.

These discs acquire nourishment through fluid-attracting and fluid-absorbing qualities of its jelly-like nucleus. During non-weight bearing activities (like sleeping) the discs expand as they soak up fluid, increasing the length of the spine by as much as an inch overnight. However, the pull of gravity during the day results in compression fatigue that causes the average adult loses an inch in height each day primarily because fluid is squeezed out of the spinal discs (this reverses during sleep). Therefore, if you measure yourself in the morning right after you wake up, you are about an inch taller than if you were to measure yourself at night.

The second important component of the spine is the supporting muscles i.e. adjoining muscles and ligaments. They help you move and support your spine. Muscles are used for three basic functions – support, movement and posture control. Your muscles help influence your posture and height by:

Creating and maintaining the curves of your spine
Resisting the force of gravity, and straightening by contracting and exerting compressive force on your spine
Supporting your spine

Weak muscles will give you poor posture and hence, your height is not maximised. You can grow taller and increasing your height by correcting your posture. Pilates is one exercise that will help strengthen your postural muscles. By emphasising posture, you will learn to stretch your spine.

The third important structure of the spine is the spinal curves. A normal spine is shaped like the letter “S”. Any excessive exaggeration of the spine’s curves results in height loss and compression of the discs. There will also be stress and strain on the entire back. The most common posture problem is swayback, where your lower back's curve is exaggerated. This is caused by weak abdomen muscles, excessive stomach fat (tummy) or just plain old habits.

Spinal curves are either kyphotic or lordotic. In a normal spine there are four types of spinal curvatures important to balance, flexibility, and stress absorption and distribution.

The second most common is that of a rounded upper back or hunchback. This is due to weak shoulder muscles or poor standing posture. The final one is what we call a poke neck. This is where the head thrust forward at the neck. This is mainly due to habitual behaviour. By consciously trying to stand straight and walk tall at all times, you can start to improve your posture and strengthen the relevant muscles to relieve unnecessary stress and compression on your discs. As a result, your height is maximised. Follow the recommended exercises to correct any excessive spinal curve exaggeration.

Different positions can place different stresses on the spine.

Proper posture can greatly decrease the forces that are applied to your low back. Here are a few things you can do to protect your back:

Lift objects by bending at the knees, not at the waist.
If you are carrying an object, hold it close to your body, not with your arms extended.

Never cough while bending forward as this really puts you in a position to hurt your back.

More height increase tips and articles.