Why do we shrink in height with age, what it means for spine and bone health

Spinal shrinkage isn’t just a cosmetic or age-related issue. It signals deeper bone health concerns that deserve attention and care (Image: Canva)

It’s common to hear elderly people say they’re shorter than they used to be. As you age, you may often shrug it off as just part of getting older. But did you know this visible height reduction might actually mean something more serious than simple ageing? Your spine might be quietly collapsing without you even realising it.

Spinal shrinkage isn’t just a cosmetic or age-related issue. It signals deeper bone health concerns that deserve attention and care. According to Dr Bharat P. Sarkar, Consultant Spine Surgery, Back & Neck Pain at Manipal Hospital Whitefield, shrinking in height, what most people think is a normal part of ageing, is actually a sign of chronic compression fractures in the spine.

“These fractures are silent and progressive, and they occur when the bones in the vertebrae collapse over time, usually due to osteoporosis. In simple terms, the spine loses its shape and strength, causing the person to stoop forward and gradually lose height," he says.

Also read | 10 tips to care for the spine, keep it aligned & upright

This kind of spinal shrinkage affects your mobility, and also quality of life. “Think of bone health like a bank account. You deposit and withdraw constantly. Strong bones result when you deposit more than you withdraw,” says Dr Sarkar.

This analogy helps explain how bone density changes over time. “Certain medicines and lifestyle habits increase bone deposits, while others reduce the rate of loss. The goal is to maintain a strong ‘balance’ so your bones stay healthy into older age,” he says.

Dr Sarkar shares 10 signs and solutions every adult needs to know about spinal shrinkage:

• Watch for loss of height: If you’ve lost more than 2–3 cm over the years, it could signal a problem rather than just natural ageing, possibly indicating vertebral bone collapse or undiagnosed spine fractures.
• Notice the stoop: A sudden or gradual forward stoop isn’t just about poor posture, it may mean your spine has weakened structurally, making you lean forward permanently without even realising it.

• Understand compression fractures: These are tiny cracks in the spine’s bones that happen silently over time, often due to osteoporosis. They cause shrinking, pain, and sometimes even visible hunching.
• Don’t ignore back pain: Mild back pain is often brushed off, but recurring pain in the middle or lower back, especially in older adults, could mean spinal fractures and not just a pulled muscle.
• Check fall risks: Vertigo, low blood pressure, dehydration, and weak muscles increase the chance of falls, which often trigger spinal fractures in elderly men and women.
• Plan safer bathrooms: Make homes fall-safe with anti-slip tiles, grab handles near toilets, and dry floors. Dr Sarkar stresses this is one of the most overlooked, yet critical, prevention steps.
• Eat beyond calcium: Bone health needs more than calcium. Include vitamin D, protein, and essential minerals in your meals, especially for vegetarians and elderly people with low appetite.
• Know the right test: If a spinal fracture is suspected, get an X-ray immediately. If it’s unclear, an MRI is needed to confirm the fracture and plan proper treatment without unnecessary delay.
• Explore pain-free treatments: Minimally invasive options like kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty are 99 percent safe, done under local anaesthesia, and let patients walk pain-free the very same day, says Dr Sarkar.