Is Your Smartphone Reshaping Our Bones?

What if mobile devices possessed the capability to alter the structure of our bones significantly? This intriguing subject has gained widespread attention in recent media coverage, stemming from a scientific study indicating that the prolonged use of phones and tablets can lead to substantial and enduring bodily changes, but not in the manner one might initially expect.

Over the past several years, a study conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, experts in biomechanics at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, has garnered significant attention. Biomechanics, which explores how mechanical principles apply to living organisms, encompasses a wide range of topics, from the mechanics of human locomotion to the intricacies of insect wing movement. Shahar and Sayers' research also delves into osteobiography, a field that uses skeletal remains to deduce information about an individual's life experiences and activities.

For quite some time, it has been recognized that skeletons adapt to an individual's way of life, with each set of bones revealing a unique story. An illustrative case of this phenomenon emerged in 1924 on the Pacific island of Tinian, where unusually large skeletons were unearthed. These remarkable skeletal proportions were attributed to the stone structures discovered in proximity to the remains. Those who had worked with heavy stones had naturally developed larger arms, legs, and collarbones as their skeletons adapted to their demanding tasks.

Now, shifting our focus to Australia, Shahar and Sayers propose a novel idea: that modern technology is exerting an influence on the skeletal development of young individuals. But how exactly is this phenomenon taking place?

This intriguing phenomenon revolves around what's known as an EOP, or external occipital protuberance. Some experts and commentators have whimsically likened it to a foam ball or even a devil-like horn, but in reality, the EOP is a bony growth located at the back of the skull. It is intricately connected to the nuchal ligament, a crucial structure that links neck muscles to the skull. Essentially, the EOP functions much like an anchor at the apex of this ligament.

Now, let's circle back to the researchers' initial objective. To gain a contemporary understanding of how skeletons evolve, Shahar and Sayers analyzed X-rays from chiropractors, focusing on individuals aged 18 to 86. These X-rays were primarily aimed at investigating issues like neck pain, with a supplementary aim of assessing potential health implications stemming from these skeletal changes.

Shahar and Sayers observed that among young people, the EOP seemed to be more prevalent. They hypothesized that this phenomenon could be attributed to the posture of young individuals, particularly when they frequently use their smartphones and tablets. During screen time, the neck tends to incline forward, and the theory posits that this forward-leaning posture exerts additional pressure on the region where the neck muscles connect to the skull. In response to this pressure, the EOP gradually elongates, growing by several millimeters. This effect is colloquially referred to as "text neck." Additionally, their findings indicated that this condition was more commonly observed in men.

In 2016, Shahar and Sayers initially reported a higher occurrence of elongated EOPs, with 67% of men exhibiting this condition compared to 20% of women within a test group of 218 individuals. By 2018, they had expanded their study to include 1,200 people, and the data suggested that males were approximately five times more likely to develop these enlarged "text necks."

But what are the potential implications for humanity? While concerns about radiation from phones and its potential links to cancer have been widely discussed, the impact of using mobile devices on overall health remains a subject of debate. This new report has sparked discussions because it is the first instance where experts explicitly highlight how technology is affecting our bodies. Shahar and Sayers describe the elongation of EOPs as a degenerative process, implying that if young people continue to use their devices with poor posture, the situation may worsen over time.

Additionally, there is a phenomenon known as "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, where the thumb can develop serious problems akin to carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it's important to note that the study of EOPs and the description of them as "horns" or "spikes" have faced criticism from other experts and the media. Some experts point out that the report is not conclusive and, like any scientific paper, it makes certain assumptions.

In conclusion, while the study by Shahar and Sayers has raised intriguing questions about the potential effects of modern technology on our bodies, it is essential to consider these findings within the context of ongoing scientific discourse and research.

Archaeologists often point out that longer skull bones, especially in males, are not a new phenomenon and have been observed throughout history. Critics of the study by Shahar and Sayers argue that there may not be enough concrete evidence to support the claim that excessive smartphone use is turning people into something resembling "Hellboy." It's possible that Shahar and Sayers may have interpreted established facts to fit their own explanation.

Regardless of the validity of their findings, one thing is undeniable: technology has had a dramatic impact on our lives. The idea that upcoming generations might be experiencing physical changes due to constant interaction with their devices is indeed a serious issue that warrants attention.

Ultimately, it will be the archaeologists and researchers of the future who will determine the long-term impact of technology on our bodies. Who knows, maybe they won't find people with big spikes sticking out of the back of their necks in the future. So, perhaps it's a good idea to spend a little more time outdoors and a little less time on games like Angry Birds.