QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA — New research from Australia has found that excess usage of smartphones causes a horn-like bone spur to grow at the back of the skull.<br /><br />These bones spurs, also known as enthesophytes, are abnormal bony projections that can form at the attachment of a tendon or ligament.<br /><br />The University of the Sunshine Coast study found that the bone spurs were 10 to 30 millimeters thick.<br /><br />Scientists sampled more than 1200 people between the ages of 18 to 30 and found that around 41 percent of the participants had developed a bony lump at the back of their skull.<br /><br />Further testing such as MRI scans and blood tests were performed. These confirmed that the bone spurs were not a result of genetic factors or inflammation.<br /><br />Enthesophytes are typically seen in older people with poor posture and are the bones response to stress, according to the study.<br /><br />Researchers explained that in this case the abnormal growth forms due to long-term pressure on the skeleton, as the head shifts forwards while we use smartphones for extended periods.<br /><br />According to the study, the bone deformation could cause chronic pain. Carrying the head forward also causes other problems such as neck stiffness and headaches.
