The Impact of Cellphones on Bone Structure

The Impact of Cellphones on Bone Structure: Fact or Fiction?

What if cellphones were so powerful that they could mutate the shape of our bones? This surprising topic has recently been making headlines, stemming from a scientific report suggesting that using phones and tablets can cause serious and long-lasting changes to our bodies, and not in the way you might think.

The Study Behind the Claims

In the past few years, a study was conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, specialists in biomechanics at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast. Biomechanics examines how mechanical laws apply to living organisms, from human movement to insect wing beats. Shahar and Sayers' study also involves osteobiography, which reconstructs an individual's life based on their bones. It's well-known that skeletons adapt to a person's lifestyle, with every set of bones telling a unique story.

Historical Examples and Modern Findings

For example, in 1924, unusually large skeletons were found on the Pacific island of Tinian. Stone structures nearby explained the substantial nature of these bones—working with heavy stones had naturally developed bigger arms, legs, and collarbones. Similarly, Shahar and Sayers believe modern technology is shaping young people's skeletons.

The External Occipital Protuberance (EOP)

So, how is this happening? It all revolves around the EOP, or external occipital protuberance, a bony growth found at the back of the skull. Some experts have colorfully described it as a "phone bone" or a "devil-like horn." The EOP connects to the nuchal ligament, which links neck muscles to the skull, functioning like an anchor.

The Research Process

To investigate this, the researchers examined chiropractors' x-rays of people aged 18 to 86, many of whom were experiencing neck pain. Their goal was to gain insight into how skeletons are changing and the potential health consequences. Shahar and Sayers noticed that in young people, the EOP was more widespread. They hypothesized that the posture adopted while checking phones and tablets was a major factor. During screen time, the neck instinctively cranes forward, putting extra pressure on the area where the skull meets the muscles, causing the EOP to grow gradually longer.

Findings and Gender Differences

This phenomenon, often referred to as "text neck," was found to be more common in men. In 2016, Shahar and Sayers reported a larger EOP in 67% of men compared to 20% of women, based on a test group of 218 people. By 2018, they had studied 1,200 people, finding that males were five times more likely to develop these large EOPs.

Health Implications

What is the potential impact on humanity? While there's much discussion about radiation from phones being linked to cancer, this new report opens up debates about other significant health problems caused by mobile devices. Shahar and Sayers describe the elongated EOPs as a degenerative process, implying that things could worsen for young people if they continue using their devices excessively. Additionally, conditions like "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, are also concerns.

Criticism and Debate

However, the study has faced criticism. Some experts argue that the report is not conclusive and, like any scientific paper, makes assumptions. Archaeologists note that elongated skull bones are not new and are particularly common in males. Critics argue that there isn't enough hard evidence to support the claim that cellphone use is causing these changes.

Conclusion

Are Shahar and Sayers onto something, or have they merely fit long-established facts into their own narrative? Regardless, there's no denying the dramatic impact technology has on our lives. The idea that upcoming generations might be physically changing due to constant interaction with their devices is a serious issue that warrants attention. Ultimately, it will be the archaeologists of the future who determine the long-term effects—perhaps by then, we'll see if we truly have spikes sticking out of the back of our necks. For now, maybe it's a good idea to balance screen time with a bit more walking in the park and a little less Angry Birds.

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