Researchers have discovered a peculiar and gruesome effect of excessive smartphone usage. The severe impact of technology use has led to a rise in young adults growing ‘horn-like’ bones at the back of the skull.
Young people grow horn-like bones due to excessive smartphone usage
These ‘horns,’ called Enthesophytes, are abnormal bony growth that can take shape at the attachment of a tendon or ligament. The research conducted by scientists at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, contained over 200 X-rays of people between the ages of 18 and 30. It has been discovered that 41 percent of these people have grown 10 to 30-millimeter horn-like bones at the back of their skull. Additional testing, including MRI scans and blood tests, excluded the probability that the abnormalities were formed because of genetic factors or inflammation.
Enthesophytes are usually seen in older people with a poor posture and are the bones’ reaction to stress, a study noted. Researchers noted that, in this case, the peculiarity seems to have been caused by long-term pressure on the skeleton, because the head moves forward for a prolonged period during excessive smartphone usage.
Some people argue the study, saying there is no link between tech use and horn-like bones formation
The study was published in 2016 but has made an appearance after a BBC article recently uploaded mentioned it as an instance of how the human skeleton is still undergoing development throughout the entire life. Some people have, though, questioned whether the study is correct, indicating that the link between excessive smartphone usage and the horn-like bones is unclear.
However, there is no way to make a comparison between these ‘horns’ and the pre-smartphone period skull bones. There are already numerous known medical diseases connected to over-use of smartphones and computers, such as Carpal Tunnel syndrome and eye strain. Another known condition is known as ‘tech neck,’ which makes the neck reverse its backward curve to a forward bend, creating pressure on the neck and the spine as well.
