When patients leave my office feeling a little taller, I often get this question: “Can a chiropractor actually make you taller?” The short answer is no, chiropractic adjustments can’t make your bones grow. But they can help you stand taller by improving your posture, reducing spinal compression, and helping your body move more naturally.
Let’s break down what that really means—and how chiropractic care can help you feel taller, lighter, and more confident.
How Spinal Compression Affects Height
Throughout the day, gravity puts pressure on your spine. The discs between your vertebrae compress, which can temporarily shorten your height. This is why you might be a little taller in the morning than at night.
If your spine is misaligned or you’re dealing with poor posture, these compressive forces become more extreme. Over time, that slouched posture can make you appear shorter than you really are. That’s where chiropractic care comes in.
What Chiropractic Adjustments Actually Do
Chiropractic care doesn’t change your actual bone length, but it can help you reach your full natural height by:
Aligning the Spine
Adjustments help realign the spine, which reduces pressure on your discs and nerves. When your spine is properly aligned, your body can carry itself more upright, allowing you to appear taller.
Improving Posture
Bad posture is one of the biggest reasons people look shorter than they are. Slouched shoulders, forward head posture, and a rounded upper back can all take inches off your frame. Chiropractic adjustments and posture-specific exercises can help you correct these issues.
Decompressing the Spine
Chiropractic care may include spinal decompression therapy, which gently stretches the spine to create more space between your vertebrae. This can temporarily increase your height by up to half an inch or more.
Why You May Feel Taller After an Adjustment
After an adjustment, many people say they feel taller—even if there’s no measurable height gain. That’s because pain relief, improved mobility, and better alignment make your body feel lighter and more balanced.
Plus, when you move with less pain and better posture, you naturally stand and walk more confidently—which can absolutely look like added height.
Non-Chiropractic Ways to Improve Posture
Chiropractic care is often the most effective way to quickly improve your posture, but it works best when combined with:
- Strengthening exercises (especially for your core and back)
- Stretching tight muscles
- Ergonomic adjustments at your workstation
- Mindfulness and posture reminders
FAQs About “Can a Chiropractor Make You Taller?”
Can a chiropractor increase my height permanently?
Not permanently in terms of bone growth, but by helping you stand straighter, chiropractic care can help you reclaim your natural height and maintain it longer.
How much taller can I get from a chiropractic adjustment?
Some people report gaining 1/4 to 1 inch in apparent height—mainly due to better posture and spinal decompression.
How long does the height increase last?
Any increase due to decompression is usually temporary, but posture improvements can last long-term with consistent care and exercise.
Does chiropractic care help with conditions like scoliosis or tech neck?
Yes, chiropractic treatment is very effective at managing posture-related conditions like scoliosis, forward head posture, and Dowager’s hump.
FAQs About Riverstone Chiropractic in Oakland, CA
Where is Riverstone Chiropractic located?
We’re located in the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland, CA—conveniently close to Lake Merritt.
What services do you offer?
We specialize in gentle chiropractic adjustments, myofascial release, sports injury care, and posture-focused treatments. We also offer custom care plans for runners and desk workers.
Do you offer treatment for posture issues?
Absolutely! Posture correction is one of our most popular services. Many of our patients come in for neck and back tension due to poor posture and leave standing taller and feeling more aligned.
How can I book an appointment?
You can book online through our website or call our office directly. We’re always happy to answer any questions and help you feel your best.
Final Thoughts on if a Chiropractor Can Make You Taller
So, can a chiropractor make you taller? Not in the way a growth spurt would—but by restoring your posture, decompressing your spine, and helping your body function better, chiropractic care can definitely help you look and feel taller.
At Riverstone Chiropractic in Oakland, we’re here to help you stand tall—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, posture problems, or just want to feel more balanced in your body, we’ve got your back.
Ready to feel taller and lighter? Let’s get you scheduled!
