Are Cell Phones Mutating the Shape of Our Bones?

Are cellphones changing the form of our bones?

Researchers have shockingly found that young people's unusual physical transformation—the development of horn-like bone growths on their skulls—may be brought on by too much smartphone use. This concerning result has generated a lot of discussion among scientists regarding the long-term effects of our technologically advanced way of living.

Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research looked at the X-rays of almost 400 people ranging in age from 18 to 86. Under the direction of David Shahar and Mark Sayers of the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, the researchers discovered that a sizable number of the subjects—especially those in the younger age range—had grown bony protrusions at the base of their skulls. These up to 30-millimeter-long growths were determined to be bone spurs, also referred to as "prominent exocytosis."

Usually resulting from inflammation or repeated stress on the joints, bone spurs are tiny, bony outgrowths seen on the margins of bones. Regarding the skull, the experts think that the main offender causing these growths is the head's continuous forward flexion during tablet and smartphone use.

"The frequency of these bone spurs, which are a sign of bone remodeling, is far higher than expected," Shahar said in a BBC interview. "It indicates that musculoskeletal adaptations and development of degenerative processes can start at a far younger age than previously thought.

The results have spurred a spirited discussion among professionals as some of them doubt the approach of the research and its conclusions. Critics contend that the study does not include a control group and cannot clearly show a cause-and-effect link between smartphone use and bone spur development.

"The study is based on examining past X-rays, thus the researchers lacked control over the quality of the images or the positioning of the patients’ heads," says Dr. Mark Pagnano, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic specialist. "The bone spurs may have existed prior to the general adoption of cellphones.

Other professionals, however, contend that the results of the research fit the growing body of data associating poor posture and excessive screen time to many musculoskeletal disorders, including "text neck" and carpal tunnel syndrome.

"It's well-documented that extended periods spent with a craned neck can lead to neck and back issues, characterized by stiffness, pain, and headaches," says orthopedic specialist not involved in the research Dr. David Geier. "Although most bone spurs are asymptomatic and call for no treatment, they can cause problems if they get too big.

The authors of the research stress that although while tablets and cellphones are somewhat common in daily life, their recent arrival may only now be causing possible related diseases to surface. They contend that the results highlight the necessity of further investigation on the long-term consequences of our technologically advanced way of living on human physiology.

"This is a diagnosis you most likely never knew existed five years ago," adds Shahar. "Now, it's something that we should be more conscious of and something that chiropractic practice is seeing a lot of.

It is evident from the ongoing argument that our physical well-being may be seriously compromised by smartphone use, so further research is very necessary. Experts advise being proactive in the meanwhile to reduce the hazards by means of proper posture, frequent screen breaks, and workouts strengthening the muscles supporting the neck and back.

"It's crucial to be aware of our posture and to change our daily routines to lessen the strain on our bodies," says Dr. Geier. "Being proactive will help us stop other musculoskeletal issues including the development of these bone spurs."

We must always alert about how technology could affect our health as we negotiate its always changing terrain. The revelation of horn-like bone growths on young people's skulls reminds us sharply that our fixation with cellphones might have negative effects on the very form of our bones.