Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 7/24/2006

Question
Friends of mine have taken their children to a chiropractor since they were very young children on a very regular basis (more than once a week).  Their three children are very tall and they say it is because they were having chiropractor care during their growth spurts.  Can this be true?  I am very short in statue and my children are also.  Can this help them and if so at what ages is it too late?  I have boys 20, 17, 15, 13 and 8 years old.  The 20 year old is about 5'4" tall and the other don't seem like they will much taller.  Thank you, Gail

Answer
Dear Gail,

This is a bit of an enigma becuase there is absolutely no clinical research that I am aware of that has studied differneces in growth and chiropractic treatment.

This is what I can tell you.  In my opinion it is unlikely that you will have increases in your children's growth patterns due to chiropractic care.  This is because it is  known that height is based on genetic factors that are carried over from both parents.  EX:  dwarfism is a genetic condition and the height fo the person is determined by chromosomal factors.  Chiropractic care will not make a little person grow tall.

Now, chiropractic can have an effect on the symmetrical distribution of weight bearing of the spinal cord and the long bones of the legs which may account for small increases in growth and height, but these will be minimal in my opinion, most likely less than two inches.  I would however, still recommend that you do have your children under regular chiropractic care. All children should have the benefits of regular care in my opinion!  Getting them checked/treated once a week is sufficient unless they are in involved in sports, especially contact sports, then the child may require more.  

If you choose to place your children under chiropractic care, the benefits are longreaching, but goals in height attainment are probably not realistic.  What you can expect is better postures which will help them stand more erect and taller, improved circulation, improved breathing and better immune function, improved athletic performance, etc...

Specifically concerning the ages of your children:  the possibility of height changes will be increased in the younger ones - teens and below.  The 20 year old still has a chance of growing a bit, but the growth plates in the long bones are closing up and more height attainment is very unlikely.  Concerning this height issue, you may want to consult with a medical doctor who is an anti-aging specialist, or an endocrinologist.  Growth hormone therapy is an avenue you may want to explore, because you can accelerate height in children with increased growth hormone production or intake.  This is safe, but must be monitored by a medical specialist.  Abuse of growth hormone can result in abnormal endocrine system function and unfavorable results.

I wish you all the best Gail. Good luck on whatever you choose, and remember to ask all your doctors for research and facts on the treatments they offer and propose.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman