Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 5/4/2009

Question
Hey, I'm 19 yrs old & around my birthday when which was a little bit over 3 months ago I had a little growthspurt  & I was like 6.25 inches tall. Now all the sudden when I check my height I'm like 5'11. Also to mention I used to work out all the time but around that time I hurt my shoulder & couldn't really workout anymore until now. And in that time period of me not working out is when I shrunk. Do you know what could be the problem & if so can I reverse it?

Apreciate it

Answer
Dear Jay,

I'm not sure what the tallest height you measured was, because above you've written 6.25" (six and a quarter inches), which is pretty short.  But I'll assume here that you meant 6'1/4".  This would mean that you "lost" about an inch.  This could be explained simply by your posture that day, or any other factor that could have resulted in a mismeasurement.  Did you use the same measuring tool?  Stand on a solid surface (no carpet), etc.?

Any of several factors could cause a simple error in measurement.  I very much doubt you lost an inch because of a shoulder injury, unless it was because your posture changed from the pain.

If you are concerned, please see your physician for a complete checkup to set your mind at ease.

Hope this helps.

Dana