Walking or driving with a cellphone in hand is giving rise to head and neck injuries, a new study claims. The study's findings were originally published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
For the study, the team examined cases of 2,501 emergency department patients who suffered from a head or neck injury due to cell phone use. The team analysed data of patients from 1998 to 2017.
Through their investigation, the team discovered a noticeable spike in such cases as the years went by.Cuts, bruises, abrasions and internal injuries were also part of the injuries patients suffered from. The results revealed 41 per cent of the cases were minor and happened at home. Meanwhile, 50 per cent of the cases occurred while being distracted while driving or walking.
The team noted young children under the age of 13 also had a higher chance of suffering from a mechanical injury. This includes the cellphone accidentally being dropped on a child or a cell phone battery exploding.
"Injuries from cell phone use have mainly been reported from incidents during driving, but other types of injuries have gone largely underreported," study author Boris Paskhover, a surgeon and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, told a news portal. Adding, "We hypothesize that distractions caused by cell phones were the biggest reason for injury and mainly affected people aged 13 to 29."
Paskhover further explained: "The findings suggest a need for education about the risks of cell phone use and distracted behavior during other activities as well as driving and walking."
Many experts warn against using cellphones too much. It could give rise to a host of health issues. One study, published in the journal Pediatrics, has found a link between too much screen time and impulsive behaviour.
"Impulsive behaviour is associated with numerous mental health and addiction problems, including eating disorders, behavioural addictions and substance abuse," Dr Michelle Guerrero, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at the CHEO Research Institute and the University of Ottawa, told a news portal. Adding, "This study shows the importance of especially paying attention to sleep and recreational screen time, and reinforces the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth. When kids follow these recommendations, they are more likely to make better decisions and act less rashly than those who do not meet the guidelines."
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