The neck cannot stretch. This is displacing the bones around the scapula and shoulder down, and neck muscles will atrophy.
How is this not child abuse up there with genital mutilation?
It absolutely is child abuse, but like with many other horrible practices, it gets a pass because of its cultural/religious importance.
I looked up an x ray because none of the relevant articles had one
I’m far from an expert, but it seems that not only does it straighten and elongate the neck, but it also pushes down all the bones around your shoulders.
Bones don’t stretch. Makes complete sense that this practice just puts your shoulders into a horrible posture so your neck seems longer.
I’m sure the largest effect is from the shoulders moving, but I think it’s disingenuous to say it does nothing to the neck. Sure, the bones aren’t going to stretch themselves, but surely the cartilage/discs will stretch to some degree, right?
The latter is the actual thing, the shoulders and collar bones are pushed down
And IIRC, if a woman breaks an important law, they may remove all the rings. Since the neck muscles are barely functional/there, her neck would collapse and she’d die rather horrible.