An Unlikely Pair: Wallets and Back Pain

Have you ever thought that having a wallet or wads of cash in your back pocket could give you back pain? If you answer yes to that question, I suggest you find someplace else to carry your money than stuffed into your back pocket.

If you have been suffering with back pain, perhaps the filing cabinet you’re carrying around in your back pocket is to blame. Wallet sciatica and hip-pocket syndrome are very real conditions. Here is my suggestion to avoid back pain associated with big wallets. It may be time for your back and spine to get some rest to find an alternative place for your wallet.

Even if your wallet is not filled to the brim with cash and cards, it is not good idea to sit on it all day. When you do, you create asymmetry in your pelvis and hips, which can lead to leg and low back pain. The imbalance can impact your body from buttocks to back, as each part of your body will try to compensate for the uneven tilt of your hips and pelvis.

If you let this go on for a long period of time, it can cause problems with your spinal joints, spinal discs, and muscles and eventually lead to dysfunction, pain, and even degenerative issues.

You can switch your wallet from your back pocket to your front pocket.  But my best advice is to keep your wallet out of your pocket while seated.  Please give our office a call if your back pain has flared because of your wallet being in your back pocket or for any other reason.

We are located in Tarzana, close to Reseda, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Northridge, Encino and West Hills. Please give our office a call at (818)881-2225.