We know that using the cell phone while driving can cause car accident. Now, a study shows that how you wear your cell phone may lead to complications from neck or back surgery needed because of that car accident. According to a study in the September issue of The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, wearing a cell phone on your hip area may lead to decreased bone density in the area of the pelvis that is commonly used for bone grafts.
The researchers measured bone density at the upper rims of the pelvis (iliac wings) in 150 men who were cell phone users and carried their phones on their belts. Bone density was compared on the side where the men wore their phones (the right side in 122 men and the left side in 28) versus the opposite side. The men carried their phones for an average of 15 hours per day, and had used cell phones for an average of 6 years.
The results showed a slight reduction in iliac wing bone density on the side where the men carried their phones. The difference was not statistically significant, and did not approach the reductions seen in osteoporosis. However, the researchers point out that the men were relatively young average 32 years and that further bone weakening may occur with longer follow-up.
The researchers emphasize that their findings are preliminary. Coming generations of mobile technology may lead to the development of new cell phones with lower exposure to electromagnetic fields. Meanwhile, Dr. Atay and colleagues conclude, "It would be better to keep mobile phones as far as possible from our body during our daily lives."
Personally, in order to prevent someone causing a car accident with someone I care about, I would rather drivers keep the cell phone on their hip while driving than on their ear. I don't know what about using a cell phone makes someone drive slower and keeps them from staying in their lane, but you can spot the cell phone users on the roads.
Drive safely and watch out for those who don't. If you or a loved one is injured in a
