How Does Your Height Affect a Herniated Disc?
Although a herniated disc can shorten you, this is rarely noticeable. Your spine is slightly compressed when a disc bulges or herniates because it is compressed. This could cause you to lose a little height, usually less than an inch.
By reading on, you learn more about how the condition of your spinal discs may impact your height.
Anatomy and Function of the Spine
Understanding how herniated discs function in the spine is essential to understanding how they can result in height loss. Your spine is made up of vertebrae, the spine's bones. Gel-like, liquid-filled discs are located between the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs cushion the spine's vertebrae from hits, enabling effortless movement and keeping the spine's bones from colliding.
There are no veins inside these discs. Instead, they get their nutrients by osmosis. As a result, healthy discs are strong and tall and help you stand as tall as possible. But what takes place if a disc is broken?
Height and Disc Health are Associated
Your spine's spinal discs make up about one-fourth of its length. So imagine what would occur if those CDs disappeared overnight. You would significantly lose height. And you'd be in terrible pain. Fortunately, you won't suddenly lose all of your discs.
However, a herniated disc is conceivable (or more than one). You will typically lose some height, but not enough to be noticeable. If you have numerous disc herniations, you risk losing altitude. You can feel increased discomfort as a result.
Because disc height varies by individual and location in the spine, we cannot give you specific figures. Though not all disc herniations produce pain, you might not be aware of it if you do have one. Therefore, your height should be a secondary factor if you have a herniated disc. Your top goals should be pain management and treating the condition (or conditions) that led to the herniation because a herniated disc is unlikely to heal on its own.
What Kind of Height Loss Can You Expect From a Herniated Spinal Disc?
Most disc herniations only slightly reduce height, typically no more than an eighth of an inch. But the more size you lose, at least momentarily, the more disc herniations or bulges you have.
The most severe loss of height is caused by degenerative disc disease and disorders like osteoporosis, primarily in seniors, which can significantly reduce size due to changes in bone density and disc health.
You can help prevent height loss due to disc herniations by taking proper care of your spine. To do this, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle, take care of your back, and get chiropractic care if you have a herniated disc.
Is it accurate to say that spinal fusion shortens people?
While talking about losing height, let's also talk about spinal fusion. The children most likely to benefit from this surgery have severe scoliosis. Unfortunately, despite some evidence to the contrary, it is not common for spinal fusion to result in a minor height decrease.
One study compared girls treated with a brace or a spinal fusion once they reached adulthood and discovered little difference in total height between the two groups. Adults who undergo spinal fusion surgery may experience a little but noticeable height loss. Even minor height gains can result from some spinal operations!
Even while a herniated disc can make you shorter in stature, this shouldn't be your main worry. Nearby neighbors are unlikely to pay attention. If you take good care of your spine, you can also (to a certain extent) prevent excessive height loss as you age.
We always consider our patients' best interests at Peak Potential Family Chiropractic - Houston Heights. So get in touch with us immediately to schedule a consultation, and we'll support you on the road to spine health perfection!