Last updated on July 1, 2023
Question:
I have a few questions about my body.
I am 13 years old. Ever since last summer, my neck has been long and my neck has never been so long before. Is this because of my growth spurt? My neck was never long when I was a child. I am around Stage 3.6-3.8 and I’m a gangly kid. I know I am not in stage 4 because I am just starting to grow a few hairs on my groin but I do not have a happy trail. When will my shoulders widen? When my shoulders widen, will my long neck go away? Also, I have absolutely no muscle. Will I get muscles in stage 4?
Thank you.
Answer:
Since I cannot see you, I am limited to only the things you’ve mentioned. From your Tanner Stage estimate, you are in the middle of your growth spurt. This is when the bones of your legs and arms lengthen, which leaves you a gangly, stretched-out look.
People tend to measure things relatively; that is, they compare one thing to another. While I know you think your neck is long, what I don’t know is what you are comparing your neck to that leads you to your conclusion. Thus, I can’t say if you are accurate or misjudging the situation.
When you are in the midst of your growth, every part doesn’t grow at the same time or at the same rate. It could be that your neck has reached its adult size while your torso still has some growing to do to catch up.
The statement about recently gaining a few pubic hairs is a bit confusing. Generally, by this point, most boys have a good bit of pubic hair about their genitals.
Your shoulders will widen toward the end of stage 4, so about 2 years from now. Muscles are more easily developed in stage 4 but this is assuming you are exercising. I know you have some muscle because you would not abe able to move without muscle. I assume you mean you don’t have bulging muscles, but that is normal for a boy in stage 3.