A KFU doctor explained why we get shorter by the evening and if it's possible to "grow" on a pull-up bar.

      A neurosurgeon explained how to distinguish between normal and pathological conditions and whether to believe in popular "stretching" methods.

      Andrey Vershinin, a neurosurgeon at the Kazan Federal University University Clinic, clarified the nature of changes in the height of the spinal column, addressed popular misconceptions about "narrowing of the vertebrae," and warned about the dangers of exercises with a roller. According to the specialist, the term "narrowing of the vertebrae" is not entirely correct from a medical standpoint.

      "Firstly, it may refer to a decrease in the height of intervertebral discs. With age and under the influence of constant axial load, they gradually lose water, become less elastic, and flatten. This is one of the most common mechanisms for reducing the overall height of the spinal column. Secondly, it often refers to spinal canal stenosis—a condition in which the space inside the spinal canal or intervertebral foramina, through which nerve structures pass, decreases. Causes can include disc herniations, bone tissue growth, ligament hypertrophy, and facet joint arthrosis. The vertebrae themselves, as bony structures, can also change shape, but this is usually not related to "narrowing," but rather to pathological processes," he commented.

      Andrey Vershinin noted that deformations can occur after injuries, chronic overload, inflammatory or tumor processes. Sometimes people notice that they are taller in the morning than before going to bed. The doctor confirms that this is not an illusion, but a physiological process based on biomechanics.

      "Almost every person is slightly taller in the morning than in the evening. The main mechanism is related to the intervertebral discs. At night, when we are in a horizontal position and the axial load on the spine is minimal, the discs actively restore their fluid content, undergoing hydration. As a result, they become slightly taller and better retain their cushioning properties. Throughout the day, under the influence of body weight, walking, sitting, and vertical compression, the spine experiences constant load. The discs gradually lose some fluid, flatten, and the overall length of the spinal column decreases slightly," the neurosurgeon reported.

      Normally, the difference between morning and evening height is about 1-2 centimeters. There is a belief that regular hanging on a bar can increase the height of an adult.

      "This is one of the most widespread myths. After the completion of bone growth, the length of the long bones no longer changes, and it is precisely this that determines a person's height. What really happens during hanging is a temporary traction unloading of the spine. Under the influence of body weight, the compressive load on the intervertebral discs and facet joints decreases, muscles partially relax, and the spinal column is temporarily decompressed. For some people, this may create a feeling of stretching and even result in a brief minimal change in body length. In cases of spinal instability, pronounced herniations, shoulder-scapular pathology, certain forms of stenosis, or severe osteoporosis, such load can be dangerous. Therefore, the bar is not a method for increasing height, but in certain cases, a tool for decompression and muscle unloading," the expert explained.

      Many are concerned about the question: until what age can one influence their height and why do elderly people become noticeably shorter?

      "After the completion of puberty and the closure of the epiphyseal growth zones, bones stop elongating. This usually occurs around the ages of 16-18 for women and 18-21 for men, although individual variations are possible. After this, it is literally impossible to increase height. Neither exercises, nor hanging, nor spinal traction can lengthen formed bones. With age, degeneration of the discs develops, their height decreases, posture worsens, the muscle corset weakens, and kyphosis may form. Osteoporosis plays a significant role, especially in older patients, as compression fractures of the vertebrae can lead to significant and irreversible loss of height. In other words, restoring height is impossible, but sometimes it is possible to partially improve the vertical axis of the body through posture correction, muscle imbalance treatment, and spinal disease management," noted A. Vershinin.

      Recently, exercises with cylindrical rollers have gained popularity. The doctor warned that they are not suitable for everyone.

      "Using rollers under the thoracic or lumbar region can temporarily improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and help with postural disorders, especially if the problem is related to muscle-fascial imbalance and a sedentary lifestyle. But it is important to understand that a roller is not spinal traction, but rather an element of soft postural and myofascial correction," the neurosurgeon clarified.

      Such exercises should be performed with caution or after consulting a specialist in cases of: intervertebral hernias; pronounced spinal canal stenosis; vertebral instability; osteoporosis; history of compression fractures; scoliosis; acute pain syndrome; oncological and inflammatory lesions of the spine.

      "The spine is a complex biomechanical system, so any traction or unloading techniques should be tailored individually. What helps one patient may exacerbate pain syndrome or neurological symptoms in another," concluded Andrey Vershinin.

      When partially or fully reprinting the material, as well as quoting, it is necessary to refer to the press service of KFU.

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      Author: Amina Murat, Department of Information Policy of KFU, photo: Grigory Sysoev, RIA Novosti

      Source: KFU

      29.05.2026 10:19

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      Why do we become shorter in the evening and can we "grow" on a bar, answered at KFU

      Neurosurgeon Andrey Vershinin explained why a person is taller in the morning than in the evening, dispelled myths about "narrowing of the vertebrae," and talked about whether exercises on the bar help increase height. 11:19 29.05.2026 TRK Tatarstan-New Century - Kazan

      The KFU doctor explained why we become shorter in the evening and whether we can "grow" on a bar

      The neurosurgeon explained how to distinguish between normal and pathological conditions and whether to believe in popular "stretching" methods. 10:19 29.05.2026 KFU - Kazan

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