New Report Linked “Horn-Like” Growth on Back of Skull from Phone and Computer Use in Young Adult

New Report Linked “Horn-Like” Growth on Back of Skull from Phone and Computer Use in Young Adult

This study evaluated the effects of forward head posture. An analysis of 1200 x-rays revealed a significant feature regarding forward head posture and increase bone elements extending off the skull from the external occipital protuberance (EOP). The findings were significant and showed a relationship between age, sex, forward head posture, and the calcification of ligaments and tendons attached to the EOP. 

• A retrospective analysis of 1200 (18–86-year-old) de-identified lateral cervical radio-graphic studies was carried out by an experienced observer. 

• The cohort was divided into age groups according to decades (18–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, >61). • All radiographs were obtained by a trained radiographer, at a single chiropractic clinic, by the same digital capturing equipment and with the same capturing techniques. 

• Our current analysis demonstrated the prevalence of Enlarged External Occidental Protuberance (EEOP) to be 33% of the total population. Specific analysis indicated the presence of an EEOP to be significantly predicted using the following variables: sex, the degree of forward head protraction (FHP), and age. Sex was the primary predictor with males being 5.48 times more likely to have EEOP than females 

• The extent of FHP was a significant component in the prediction of EEOP, where an increase in FHP resulted in a 1.03 times increased likelihood of having EEOP. 

• Unexpectedly, every 10-year increase in age group resulted in a 1.03 reduction in the likelihood of having EEOP. The 18–30 age-group was found to be significantly more likely to present with an EEOP, while EEOP was unlikely to occur across any of the other age categories. 

• The development of EEOP may be attributed to, and explained by, the extensive use of screen-based activities by individuals of all ages, including children 25–27, and the associated poor posture. 

• Musculoskeletal disorders related to poor posture while using computers and tablets have been investigated extensively and were identified as a risk factor for the development of related symptoms at the neck, shoulders and forearms. 

• Furthermore, repetitive stress and aberrant posture were reported to be the most common bio-mechanical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine. • Importantly, the use of tablet handheld devices was shown to trigger a higher activity level at the upper trapezius and cervical erector spinae. 

• Alarmingly, a survey of university staff and students revealed that participants spend an average of 4.65 hours/day using a handheld mobile device, and that 68% of the participating students reported neck pain. These findings are expected as mechanical load on the cervical musculature was demonstrated to be 3–5 times greater when seated in flexed neck posture than in neutral spine position. 

• A recent systematic review reported that neck-related musculoskeletal conditions amongst mobile and hand-held device users are 17.3–67% more prevalent than any other region of the spine. 

• Our results suggest that the younger age group in our study have experienced postural loads that are atypical throughout the other tested age groups.v 

• Our findings and the literature provide strong evidence that EEOP in the younger population is a result of increased mechanical load at the enthesis of the EOP, which is probably linked to sustained poor posture. 

• We hypothesise that the use of modern technologies and hand-held devices may be primarily responsible for these postures and subsequent development of adaptive robust cranial features. 

The findings in this study are significant for many reasons. The bony growth was not found to cause pain or new problems. Rather, the formation is an indication of something abnormal going on elsewhere. It is a sign that the head and neck are not in the proper configuration. These formations take time to develop indicating the problems began for most subjects in early childhood. Since bone growth develops over a long period of time, this suggests that sustained improvement in posture can arrest it and prevent the consequences. Chiropractic care plays a significant role in helping reduce stress from postural abnormalities and decrease the risk of forward head posture and its devastating effects.