Have you ever sworn you used to be taller? Maybe you’re blaming posture, your mattress, or your kids stressing you out… but the truth is: we actually do shrink!
😳 How Much Height Do We Lose?
Believe it or not:
- We lose up to ½ inch of height every single day
Thanks to normal disc compression from standing, sitting, gravity, and life in general.
(Don’t worry—we regain most of it overnight as our discs rehydrate.) - As we age, the discs between our vertebrae naturally start to dry out, which can lead to
1–2 inches of permanent height loss over time.
This is especially common after age 50.
So if you’ve ever said, “I swear I used to be six feet tall,” you might not be wrong.
🧪 Why Does This Happen?
Your spinal discs are like jelly-filled shock absorbers.
During the day: they compress.
At night: they refill with fluid—assuming we’re hydrated and healthy.
As we age, that “jelly” slowly loses water content. Less hydration = thinner discs = “Why does my mirror seem higher every year?”
💪 What You Can Do to Maintain Disc Height
Good news: you can absolutely support your disc health and slow the shrink!
Here’s what helps:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
Keeping the joints moving improves mobility and reduces uneven pressure on the discs.
2. Spinal Decompression Therapy
A game-changer for degenerative discs.
It gently stretches the spine, increases disc space, and improves nutrient exchange—think of it like airing up your tires, but for your back.
3. Hydration & Supplements
Staying hydrated helps discs rehydrate overnight.
Plus, certain supplements support collagen and disc health, such as:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Collagen peptides
- Omega-3s
4. Stretching & Movement
Activities that help maintain disc space include:
- Cat-cow stretches
- Gentle traction
- Hip flexor stretching
- Foam rolling
- Walking
Your discs love motion. Movement = nutrition.
😂 And here’s your “shrinking” joke for the week:
I told my friend I think I’m getting shorter.
He said, “Don’t worry… just take it one small step at a time.”
Have a great afternoon,
Joy, Jen, Kim, Kathy, Coloradas, Gabi, Maxfield, Dr Shriner and Dr Ring
PS: Our office opens Monday morning at 8am and we can get you in to help with your neck or back pain. And if you are interested in our spinal decompression therapy, give us a call. 480-488-1282