So you’re dressed and ready to dash out and do the last essential thing, stuff your wallet in your back pocket. And you get by your day obliviously sitting on it, an innocent and harmless act. But how about the common notion that it’s detrimental to your back, muscle, and nerve health? This article will demystify this belief and shed light on whether or not it’s harmful. So grab your wallet, get some coffee, sit tight, and read on. But wait, don’t sit in that wallet until you have the info. Dig in.
What’s the Possible Side Effect of Sitting on Your Wallet?
First, picture yourself seated; the body adapts a particular natural posture. Now, visualize the same image but with an object underneath the right butt. How does it look? Misaligned, right?
That’s where the belief about the side effects of sitting on a wallet arises. This habit can contribute to health issues. Why? It creates an imbalance in posture and the pressure exerted on the nerves and muscles, causing strain, discomfort, or pain. Body parts affected can range from the back, hips, buttocks, legs, neck, or shoulders, yielding issues like sciatic nerve pain and piriformis syndrome. Let’s delve more into these two conditions.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
This term describes a pain radiating from the lower back through the buttocks, hips, thighs, down the leg to the feet, following the path and extent of the sciatic nerve, hence the name. The discomfort could manifest in many forms:
- A shooting or sharp pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness on one side
Sciatic nerve pain arises from various factors, including muscle spasms and nerve compression, which may emanate from the aftermath of sitting on your wallet.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome derives its name from the piriformis muscle in the buttocks responsible for support and extension when you move or flex the hip. How does Piriformis Syndrome feel?
- Buttocks pain that radiates down the back of the leg.
- Tingling hip
- Numb piriformis muscle
- Discomfort when sitting for prolonged durations
Factors like muscle overuse, strain, posture imbalance, or buttock injury may contribute to Piriformis Syndrome, factors that could arise from sitting on your wallet.
Are Sciatic Nerve Pain and Piriformis Syndrome Treatable?
Yes, they are. If you suspect Sciatic Nerve Pain, Piriformis Syndrome, or any other condition, worry not, visit us to meet one of our specialists to evaluate your symptoms for a diagnosis and help. The treatment depends on the condition’s extent and underlying issues and includes the following options:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Hot and cold therapy
- Physical and stretching exercises
- Injection or surgery for extreme cases
Is Everyone Who Sits on Their Wallet in Danger?
Just like any other habit with detriments, it’s important to note that the effects may vary from person to person. Let’s look at the activators of potential nerve and muscle issues.
Factors That Heighten the Side Effects of Sitting on Your Wallet
- The Wallet’s Thickness: The thicker it is, the more imbalanced the posture.
- Sitting Duration: Someone who sits on their wallet for longer is more likely to experience the symptoms than others due to prolonged exposure to misalignment.
- Posture: If you have a distorted form, introducing factors that contribute to bad postures, like sitting on your wallet, magnifies the consequences of bad posture.
- Pre-Existing Back and Nerve Conditions: Underlying back pain, nerve damage, and hip or joint injuries present the foundation for further discomfort or harm.
Please note that anything with implications can materialize in the long run. So whether you have the mentioned underlying factors or not, why not be proactive with caution? How? That brings us to our next part.
How To Mitigate Sciatic Nerve Pain and Piriformis Syndrome That Results From Sitting on Your Wallet
Let’s get straight to the point with what you should do to ensure your health and comfort:
- First, the elephant in the room; avoid sitting on your wallet. This step will do away with possible posture imbalances, nerve damage, discomfort, and back and joint pain, putting you ahead in controlling your health.
- Posture is everything. Remember, bad posture can also cause Piriformis Syndrome. So always maintain proper posture. How?
- Sit and walk upright
- Don’t slouch
- When seated, support your back and keep your feet flat on the ground
- Ensure good form when exercising
- How about a slimmer wallet? If you must carry it in the back pocket, opt for a smaller one or fewer contents to alleviate the imbalance.
- Carry the wallet elsewhere. Consider alternatives like your bag, coat pocket, vehicle glove compartment, or office drawer.
- Reduce your sitting duration by taking breaks and stretching frequently to reduce the pressure exerted on the sciatic nerve and muscles.
- Exercise helps by enhancing your muscle, joint, and bone strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health. Therefore, work out frequently.
- Visit a medical professional. The classic saying goes, if symptoms persist, seek medical advice. So if you feel discomfort from prolonged sitting on your wallet or don’t notice improvement after habit change, it’s time to book an appointment with us for a checkup and expert advice.
Don’t Let Your Wallet Get in the Way of Enjoying Life
To wrap up, carrying your wallet may seem harmless. However, it causes mundane side effects, which may hurt your health in the long term. Issues like poor posture and muscle and nerve strain occur when you sit on it, causing possible Sciatic Nerve Pain and Piriformis Syndrome or exacerbating underlying conditions. To be safe, be mindful of your wallet size, avoid sitting on it, and maintain proper posture and overall health. Our experts at the Waterfront Clinic are happy to attend to you should you suspect any side effects.