Investigating the correlation between text neck syndrome and vertigo in young adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Vertigo and dizziness are common across all age groups, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 30% in adults. Young adults and adolescents also exhibit a high prevalence, with up to 20% experiencing these symptoms. Among the primary risk factors is neck pain, particularly cervicogenic dizziness, which has a prevalence of around 40% in adults. Recent studies have shown a significant association between smartphone overuse and neck pain, often referred to as “text neck.” Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between text neck syndrome and the prevalence of vertigo in young adults, focusing on understanding the potential mechanisms and implications for preventive measures. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational survey design was employed, targeting individuals aged 18–40 years from the local community. A total of 902 subjects completed the Situational Vertigo Questionnaire (SVQ) and provided data on sociodemographic factors, smartphone use, and neck pain severity. The SVQ was translated into Arabic using a backward–forward translation process. Descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyses were conducted. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.7 years (standard deviation = 6.2). The average daily duration of smartphone use was 3 h. The sample consisted of 56% of females and 44% of males. The 12-month prevalence of situational vertigo was 37.6%, with the majority (31%) experiencing mild vertigo. Significant correlations were found between SVQ scores and neck pain ( r = 0.89) and between SVQ scores and smartphone use duration ( r = 0.66). Neck pain was also significantly correlated with smartphone use duration ( r = 0.57). Linear regression analysis indicated an excellent simple correlation ( r = 0.91) with an r 2 of 0.82, showing that neck pain severity and smartphone use duration significantly predicted SVQ scores. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a significant association between text neck syndrome and vertigo in young adults. The findings highlight the need for preventive measures to address neck pain and excessive smartphone use to mitigate the risk of vertigo.