Original Article: JRCRS.2025:13(3):153-159
6- Association between Smartphone Screen Time and Cervicogenic Headache Severity in Young Adults, a Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test-Based: A Cross-Sectional Study
Jannat Arshad1, Somia Faisal2, Nabeela Safdar3, Sahar Aslam4, Mishal Farwa5
1 Physical Therapist, Rehab Poly Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan
2 Physical Therapist, The Children’s Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan
3 Assistant Professor, Lahore University of Biological & Applied Sciences Lahore, Pakistan
4 Assistant Professor, Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
5 Physical Therapist, Rehab Poly Clinic, Lahore Pakistan
Read Full-Text Full-Text PDF DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.53389/JRCRS.2025130306
Abstract:
Background: With increased use of smartphones, extended screen time is associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as cervicogenic headaches. Poor postures and forward head posture can cause cervical spine dysfunction and result in headache. Young adults, especially students, are highly susceptible because of overuse of smartphones. The prevalence and severity of cervicogenic headaches in this population need to be identified for early treatment and prevention.
Objective: To determine the association between smartphone screen time and cervicogenic headache severity in young adults.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students (n=175) using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Participants included both male and female DPT students aged 18–25 years with more than three hours of daily smartphone screen time, while individuals with systemic diseases, whiplash injuries, psychiatric illnesses, or a history of cervical spine tumors were excluded. Cervicogenic headache severity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and cervical spine dysfunction was evaluated through the Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (FRT).
Results: Of the 175 participants, 137 tested positive and 39 tested negatives on the Flexion Rotation Test (FRT). According to the NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), 35.4% of participants reported mild pain, 55.4% had moderate pain, and 9.1% experienced severe pain. Screen time and Cervicogenic Headache CGH pain severity were statistically significantly correlated, with a chi-square test value of 63.742 and a p-value of <0.001.
Conclusion: The majority of students experienced cervicogenic headaches associated with excessive smartphone use. Moreover, a statistically significant association was found between increased screen time and higher cervicogenic headache severity (χ² = 63.742, p <0.001), indicating that prolonged smartphone use may contribute to increased headache intensity in young adults.
Keywords: Cervicogenic Headache, Smartphone Addiction, Screen Time, Young Adult.