Smartphone Addiction in Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder that originates from the cervical spine and often presents with pain radiating from the neck to the head, reduced functional capacity, and impaired quality of life. In modern society, prolonged smartphone use and dependence are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to musculoskeletal problems, poor posture, psychological distress, and sleep disturbances. This study was designed as a case-control investigation to explore the relationship between smartphone addiction (problematic smartphone use) and clinical characteristics of cervicogenic headache in comparison with healthy individuals. Participants were evaluated in the outpatient clinics of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology at Yozgat Bozok University. A structured sociodemographic form was administered, and each participant completed a set of validated assessment tools. Smartphone use behavior was assessed with the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form. Headache-related disability was measured with the Headache Impact Test. Cervical function was evaluated with the Neck Disability Index. Psychological status was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Sleep quality was examined with the Jenkins Sleep Scale. Health-related quality of life was measured using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey, and pain intensity was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was obtained from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was provided by all participants prior to enrollment.

NCT Number	NCT07292129
Lead Sponsor	Gulseren Demir Karakilic
Conditions	Cervicogenic Headache, Smartphone Addiction
Enrollment	78 participants
Start Date	2025-06-19
Primary Completion	2025-10-03 (estimated)
Study Completion	2025-10-03 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-12-29