CORRELATION OF CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE AND NON-SPECIFIC NECK PAIN WITH SMART DEVICE USAGE PATTERN AMONG IT STUDENTS

Abstract

Extensive usage of smart devices among IT students has sparked worries about its potential negative health impacts. This study aims to determine the correlation of cervicogenic headaches and non-specific neck pain with smart device usage pattern among IT students. Methodology:This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 354 participants. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data. The inclusion criteria included IT/CS students aged 18-27, experiencing headaches for more than 5 days per month; spending more than 3 hours daily on smart devices. Exclusion criteria excluded participants with systemic illnesses, migraine, cervical trauma, and congenital disorders of the cervical spine. Results: This study revealed that 45% students experienced neck pain and 42% experienced headaches 2-3 times monthly. 23% of participants scored 40 for neck pain intensity and cervicogenic headache on VAS. NDI scoring showed 38% with mild disability, 32% moderate, and 10% with severe disability. Significant correlation was found between VAS neck pain and headache intensity (p = 0.01, R = 0.74), smart device usage and NDI (p = 0.01), and device usage time with both CGH (p = 0.01) and the neck pain intensity (p = 0.01). The majority, 63%, used electronic devices for more than four hours daily. Conclusion: It is concluded that, cervicogenic headaches and non-specific neck discomfort are significantly more common when smart devices are used for extended periods of time.