can you lose height at 18?

Question

i think i used to be taller a year ago, i know old people shrink but i'm only 18 years old and i've been feeling short as hell lately, i want to know why this happened, i'm sure is not calcium deficiency, i think its because i have a bad posture and my back hurt sometimes, but the most important question is: can i get my height back?

Answer 1

well you could have scoliosis. that would explain the back pain, and the bad posture. scoliosis is basically when your spine curves. the best way to check for it is to bend over and touch your toes. ask someone to look at your back to see if everything is symmetrical. also making sure your shoulders, and hips are in line with each other. if these 'tests' tell you you do have it, then see a doctor.

18 is kind of an old age to discover it at. so there isn't much you can do if your done growing. but if your back is over 45* which you be weird if it is because then you should have known about it several years ago, then you might need surgery. but probably not. surgery is the only way to get back the height. oh and if it's still progressing, then they will have to do something about that too.

of course then it could be calcium deficiency, lol. keep track of your height closely.

Answer 2

well i am not sure if you are shrinking or not but as for the growing you have probably stopped. in your bones is a thing called a epiphyseal line, or growth plate and that is where all the growing happens. it is made out of cartilidge that keeps growing until the end of puberty which for most people is 18..for some it goes up to 20. anyway once puberty stops the cartilige hardens into bone, and it will not grow anymore. so you COULD grow a bit more but its not too likely.

Answer 3

Well basically no you can't get shorter,technically,but if you no that you have poor posture and your back hurts then you need to stand up tall.Now as far as things you can do,you can go to your Dr. and ask about lenghtening procedures which are costly and I think that there has to be a medical condition going on that requires you to need this surgery,unless you have money just lying around and go to a surgeon.Hope this helps.

Answer 4

bad posture will make you look and feel shorter so try and strighten your back. there are some conditions that affect you during teen years andcause these symptons so it may be agood idea to see your doctor and eliminate any medical cause

Answer 5

there is probly some wierd unknown disease out there where u can loose a little height. but i think ur probly just slouching. if u start sitting propperly or see a chieropractic or whatever theyre called, u could probably get it back. lol. good luck shorty! jk

Answer 6

being slumped over can make you shorter because it will curve your back. in time you can get a hunch-back in fact.
Every time you notice yourself slouching sit up strait, keep your shoulders back. at first it will be hard to remember but in time your body will get used to sitting or standing straiter and you wont need to try any more

Answer 7

Usually you stop growing in your teens. It's all partof puberty and it's impossible to shrink. And you just need to not slouch alot.

Answer 8

well, its as simple as standing up straight. just keep your back straight. its also possible you have scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. but its most likely just your posture though. im 5,2 so i know how you feel lol. best of luck!

Answer 9

yea you can..i know it happend to me...when i was 17 I used to be 5'4" 1/2 and now im 5'3" been 5'3" for 5 years now....and havent gotten the height back...but dont be worried about it..

Answer 10

I saw this in a movie once. Ask Rick Moranis -- he'll know what to do.