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What Causes Loss of Vertical Dimension?

Aging causes numerous changes to human bodies. Loss of height is one of them. People tend to continue growing, at least slightly, until they are in their 40s. After that time, height loss begins to kick in. By the time people reach their 80s, they generally have lost about 2 inches of height.

  1. Normal Causes of Height Loss

    • Posture often changes with age, usually with the spine bending forward. Time and use cause compression of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine. Curvature of the lower limb joints tends to increase. People also experience joint changes in the feet and flattening of the arches.

    Height Loss Due to Injuries and Disease

    • Osteoporosis -- a decrease in bone mass and an increase in bone porosity and fragility -- escalates the risk of fracture. Spinal bone fractures can result in slouching which leads to weaker back muscles that can produce even more slouching and curvature of the spine. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, and conditions such as celiac disease, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, irritable bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis or depression, increase risks of osteoporosis. Some medications can adversely affect bones, particularly steroids. Knee and hip replacement surgeries can result in height loss, also.

    Osteoporosis

    • Heredity factors increase the chance for developing osteoporosis. Individuals with small frames and those of Caucasian or Asian ethnicity have greater likelihoods, as well. Hormone loss with aging (estrogen in women and testosterone in men) can contribute to osteoporosis. Some people with osteoporosis are symptom-free. Compression and stress fractures can occur during normal activity. Chronic low back pain, loss of height and spinal curvature can indicate osteoporosis.

    Ways to Decrease or Treat Loss of Height

    • Perform exercises that strengthen your back muscles, such as yoga. Keep your weight in a normal range for your height and body type. Strengthen your bones through weight-bearing exercises, such as walking. Healthy diets and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, both in foods and vitamin supplements, improve your bone health. Your doctor may prescribe drugs to increase bone density. Stop smoking, and decrease caffeine and alcohol intake.

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