The Safety of using Tribal Rings?

Firstly, Hello!

I have kind of an odd question here, but I need it answered nonetheless, so here it goes...

I am wondering about the safety of using the neck rings used by Thai and African tribes to elongate the neck. In previous research on the topic, I have read that eventually the wearer becomes dependent upon the rings for support, but I am wondering if this happens only after a certain point of extreme "stretching", or if this just happens with any degree of using this method to lengthen your neck beyond its natural capacity? I am not an extremist here; I would just like 1-2 inches of extra neck length, and this seems the only method that could do this for me, excluding illusions (makeup and such).

I would like to know if doing this carries any serious health risks or side effects when done properly.I would primarily like to know if becoming dependent upon the rings (or posture collar - I have read that this could be done with posture collars?) is inevitable, or depends upon my level of time and extremism? My goal is to add a small amount of length to the neck, without risking my health.

I've looked for other methods of lengthening the neck, but all I've found so far is neck lifts, which are not really an option to me since I currently don't have any wrinkles, "turkey neck", or other conditions that would be cause for a neck or face lift. However, if there IS an alternative to this for achieving a slightly longer neck, then I would be very excited to hear about it!

Thanks in advance for any helpful replies!

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

From my readings, the neck does not actually elongate, but the collar bone and rib cage are pushed downward giving the appearance of a longer neck.  This is done in childhood, so that bone deformity will gradually occur with growth.  Forget using this technique to elongate your neck.