Bone Density Affected by Cell Phones

Men who commonly wear cell phones on their right side of their belt have decreased bone mineral content and bone mineral density in the right hip according to Dr. Fernando D. Sravi of the National University of Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina. Dr. Sravi writes "The different patterns of right-left asymmetry in femoral bone mineral found in mobile cell phone users and nonusers are consistent with a nonthermal effect of electromagnetic radio frequency waves not previously described."

In two groups of healthy men Dr. Sravi took measurements of the bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) at the left and right hip. The two groups consisted of 24 men that did not use cell phones and 24 men who carried their cell phones in a belt pouch on their right side, for a minimum of one year. Measurements were taken using a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry test. Both BMC and BMD are markers for bone strength.

Average hip measurements in both were not greatly different in the groups. It was observed that men who did not use cell phones had a higher BMC in the right femoral neck(located near the top of thigh bone), a normal left-right difference was not present in cell phone users. Therefore, men who wore cell phones on the right side had a pertinent decrease in the femoral neck BMC in that hip.

Those who used cell phones also had decreased BMC and BMD at the right outside top of the thigh bone near the area where the cell phone would be worn on the belt. The differences in this area between the left and right was considerably associated to the estimated hours carry a cell phone.

Concerns concerning cell phones and several possible negative effects have been reported in the past.

There has been just a few studies which had observed if the electromagnetic fields sent by cell phones could affect bone mineralization. Cell phone use is continually growing and any remarked effect on BMD could have a considerable outcome of the osteoporosis rate in the populace.

Even though this was a small study it does bring to light the possibility that long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones could negatively impact bone mineralization. Dr. Sravi states larger follow-up studies are required to confirm or disprove this theory. He also does suggest that women who have higher rates of osteoporosis and children, who would have longer expected lifetime exposure to cell phones.

According to the National Cancer Institute:

Cell phones radiate radio frequency energy.

Research does suggest the amount of the energy emitted by cell phones is too low to cause major tissue heating or increase the bodies temperature.

Research is studying brain tumors, the central nervous system and other areas of the head and neck due to the fact cell phones are usually held next to the head when used.

To date research has not demonstrated a consistent association between cell phone use and cancer. An international study published in 2010, discovered, overall, those who use cell phones have no increased risk for the two most common kinds of brain tumors, glioma and meningioma.

More information on the cell phones dangers can be reviewed at the National Cancer Institute.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation has a sheet available to see if you are at risk for osteoporosis and it can be viewed on their site.

If you have osteoporosis there are alternative in which can help. Some of these include:

Chiropractic

According to the University of Illinois Medical Center, chiropractic care can provide several things for their patients suffering osteoporosis with no bone fractures.

Chiropractors can prevent further bone loss with numerous therapies including proper exercise and nutrition along with additional supplements of calcium citrate ( this form is absorbed into the body easily) and vitamin D.

Exercise including the simple one like just walking. Walking alerts our bones that they need to stay strong to maintain the stresses of this type of activity.

If you should endure a crush fracture to the spine go to the chiropractor. The chiropractor will take x-rays and development a treatment program. Orthopedic support and certain kinds of physical therapies will be prescribed. Ice therapy is used to decrease inflammation. TENS units may also be used in order to control muscle spasms.

Ongoing chiropractic care can alleviate pain if you suffer from this condition. Treatments used by chiropractors also build bone density and can prevent the condition from occurring and has the ability to slow down the condition if it is already present. Regular treatments will increase and maintain mobility and range of motion which can aide in preventing falls and fractures. Science has demonstrated that chiropractic treatments are safe and effective.

Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine osteoporosis is related to the kidney. Herbs will be used to strengthen the kidneys system along with needling. The kidneys energy is in the lower back so these points will be used.

In a study conducted on 42 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 70, during March 1999 to January 2000 the use of acupuncture was studied. All the women in the study were diagnosed with osteoporosis. They were divided into two groups, treatment group and standard group. Treatment group had received acupuncture for six months. After that time length all women who received acupuncture treatments had shown increased bone density. Acupuncture was supplemented with calcium and vitamin D in the study.

Sources:

National Osteoporosis Foundation

National Cancer Institute

Consumer Affairs

Medical News Today

A & L Chiropractic Center

University of Illinois Medical Center

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