Is Prolonged Cell Phone Usage Affecting the Structure of Our Bones?

The idea that cellphones and tablets might have the power to reshape our bones is an intriguing topic that has recently gained attention in the media. It all began with a scientific report suggesting that the use of mobile devices could lead to significant and long-lasting changes in our bodies. However, it's important to examine this claim critically and understand the context.

The study, conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, specialists in biomechanics at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast, delves into how mechanical laws apply to living organisms, from human movement to insect biomechanics. The study incorporates osteobiography, a field that reconstructs someone's life based on their skeletal remains.

It's well-established that skeletons can adapt to an individual's lifestyle, and different bones tell unique stories about a person's activities. For example, larger skeletons found on the Pacific island of Tinian in 1924 were attributed to the physical demands of moving heavy stones in the area, resulting in the development of larger arms, legs, and collarbones.

Shahar and Sayers propose that modern technology is shaping the skeletons of young people. The key factor in this transformation is something called an "external occipital protuberance" (EOP), which is essentially a bony growth at the back of the skull connected to the nuchal ligament. This ligament plays a role in connecting neck muscles to the skull. The EOP acts like an anchor for the nuchal ligament.

The researchers conducted this study by analyzing chiropractors' X-rays of people aged 18 to 86, seeking insights into how skeletons change over time. Many of these X-rays were related to neck pain. The researchers observed that, in young people, the EOP seemed more prevalent, especially among those who spent extended periods looking down at their phones and tablets. This forward-leaning posture places extra strain on the area where the nuchal ligament connects, gradually causing the EOP to elongate by several millimeters.

This phenomenon has been coined "text neck," and it's primarily found in men. In a study with 218 participants in 2016, Shahar and Sayers reported a larger EOP in 67% of men compared to 20% of women. By 2018, they had expanded their research to 1,200 people, reaffirming that males were significantly more likely to develop these elongated "text necks."

But what does this mean for human health? It's an intriguing question. While we often hear about concerns related to cellphone radiation and its potential link to cancer, this new report brings to light the physical impact of constant device usage.

Shahar and Sayers describe the elongated EOP as a degenerative process, suggesting that, if young people continue to use their devices with poor posture, the condition could worsen. There are also reports of "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, where excessive device usage can lead to thumb problems akin to carpal tunnel syndrome.

However, it's important to note that the study and its conclusions have faced criticism. Some experts argue that the report lacks conclusive evidence and that it's based on assumptions. Longer skull bones in males, for example, are not new findings and have been observed for centuries.

In conclusion, while the concept of mobile devices reshaping our bodies is intriguing, it's essential to approach these claims with a critical mindset. Technological advancements have undoubtedly transformed our lives, but whether they are causing us to grow "horns" or "spikes" remains a matter of debate. The impact of technology on our lives, particularly among younger generations, is a serious issue that warrants attention. Only time and further research will reveal the true consequences of our increasingly digital lifestyles. So, perhaps it's time for more outdoor walks and less time spent playing Angry Birds on our phones.