The Impact of Modern Tech on Our Bodies

In recent years, concerns about the impact of modern technology on our bodies have become a subject of increasing interest. One surprising claim that has garnered media attention is the suggestion that cellphones and tablets could cause significant changes in our skeletons, leading to the development of an external occipital protuberance (EOP) or "text neck." This idea stems from a study conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, experts in biomechanics at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast. While the findings have raised eyebrows, it is crucial to approach such claims with skepticism and thoroughly examine the scientific evidence.

The EOP is a growth of bone found in the back of the skull, connected to the nuchal ligament that plays a role in connecting neck muscles to the skull. Shahar and Sayers hypothesized that prolonged use of mobile devices, particularly among young people, could lead to an increase in text neck cases. Text neck is a phenomenon where the neck cranks forward during screen time, potentially putting extra pressure on the area where the EOP develops, causing it to grow longer over time. This elongation of the EOP is what has been dubbed the "text neck" or "devil-like horn."

Exploring Changes in Skeletal Structure

Shahar and Sayers embarked on their study by analyzing chiropractors' X-rays of people aged between 18 to 86. They aimed to gain insight into how skeletons change over time and how modern technology usage might be influencing these changes. Notably, many of these X-rays were taken to investigate neck pains and related health issues.

Their research revealed that the EOP appeared to be more widespread in young individuals, leading them to conclude that posture during mobile device usage could be a significant factor in the development of text neck. Over time, continuous craning of the neck forward while checking phones and tablets might lead to the elongation of the EOP by several millimeters.

Gender Differences and Skeptical Voices

One intriguing observation from the study was the apparent gender difference in text neck occurrences. In 2016, Shahar and Sayers reported that males were 5 times more likely to exhibit the elongated EOP compared to females, based on a test group of 218 people. However, by 2018, they had expanded the study to include 1200 individuals, which some experts argued might have impacted the results.

The study by Shahar and Sayers, though intriguing, has faced criticism from experts and the press alike. Skeptics argue that the research lacks conclusive evidence to support the claim that mobile devices are causing significant changes in our skeletons. Archeologists point out that longer skull bones, including the EOP, are not a new phenomenon and have been observed historically, particularly in males. Thus, attributing the presence of the EOP solely to modern tech usage might be oversimplifying the matter.

The Need for Further Research

While the study raises important questions about the potential impact of technology on our bodies, it is crucial to remember that correlation does not necessarily imply causation. More comprehensive research is required to establish a clear link between cellphone usage and skeletal changes definitively. Future studies should control for various confounding factors and involve a larger and more diverse sample to draw robust conclusions.

The claim that cellphones and tablets could mutate the shape of our bones, leading to the development of an EOP or "text neck," is a topic that has piqued public interest. While the study by David Shahar and Mark Sayers presents intriguing findings, it is essential to interpret the results with caution and not rush to extreme conclusions. The impact of modern technology on our bodies is a serious issue that merits further research and attention. However, until more solid evidence emerges, individuals should practice moderation in their tech usage and maintain a healthy posture to safeguard their overall well-being. As technology continues to play an integral role in our lives, it remains the responsibility of both researchers and users to be mindful of its potential effects on our bodies.