FAQs
The short answer to this question is yes. Sitting with your wallet, or even your phone, in your back pocket is bad for your spine and posture. This is because the height of the wallet (or phone) in the pocket will cause the person to shift to one side while sitting.
Can wallet in back pocket cause back problems? ›
Most men carry their wallet in their back pocket. But even though most men do this, it is not a good thing! A wallet in your back pocket hurts your posture and can cause back, neck and shoulder pain. This is because a wallet in the back pocket causes uneven pressure on the spine.
Is it okay to put wallet in back pocket? ›
Having your wallet in your back pocket can lead to imbalances in posture and weight distribution. This imbalance can affect the natural alignment of the spine and lead to various musculoskeletal issues. Rochester Hills chiropractors specialize in assessing and correcting posture and spinal misalignments.
What is the wallet syndrome in the spine? ›
It is an exclusively male syndrome, since men have the habit of keeping their wallet in their back pants pocket while sitting on it. This produces a compression of the sciatic nerve, exerting a mechanical demand on the vertebrae, discs, ligaments and muscles of the lumbar area.
How do you treat wallet sciatica? ›
In the majority of cases wallet sciatica is effectively treated with physiotherapy, with short-term symptoms often resolving within only a few days. More longstanding piriformis syndrome symptoms may however take weeks to address.
Why do guys keep their wallet in their back pocket? ›
The front pocket bulge can look awkward. That's why men like to keep their wallets in their back pockets. Sure, the outline in the pants will still be there, but at least it'll be discreet.
Why shouldn't you put your phone in your back pocket? ›
As mentioned above, a wallet or phone in your back pocket can very well shift your standard seated position over time. This may cause pain directly in your buttocks area, radiating pain down your sciatic nerve, or even pain throughout your back.
What is the best pocket to keep your wallet in? ›
The front pocket is a popular option because it can protect you from pickpocketing. This can be especially helpful in busy environments and during your daily commute. This option also comes with health benefits as it keeps spinal strains to a minimum and means you don't have to sit on an uneven surface.
Can a wallet in back pocket cause scoliosis? ›
When you sit on a wallet, especially a thick one, it creates an asymmetry in your pelvis. This means one side is elevated, causing your spine to curve unnaturally.
What is the Bertolotti syndrome of the back? ›
Bertolotti syndrome is a congenital disorder leading to back pain associated due to a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). It most frequently occurs via an articulation of the L5 vertebra transverse process(es) with the sacrum, leading to irregular spinal mobility and pain.
Can Bertolotti Syndrome cause “sciatic” pain? Bertolotti's Syndrome does not cause “sciatic” pain. However, Bertolli Syndrome can cause premature degeneration of the discs and vertebrae in your lumbar spine which may cause disc degeneration, disc herniation, or nerve irritation.
Can wallet in back pocket cause hip pain? ›
Many men carry their wallet in their back pocket, and so many women cross their legs when they sit. These may be habits most people do not think would be causing harm to the body, but indeed they can be causing a variety of symptoms including low back pain, hip pain, and knee pain.
What position aggravates sciatica? ›
Your sleep position: Certain sleep positions –– like lying on your stomach –– can increase pressure on the sciatic nerve, worsening pain. Inactivity: Prolonged periods of inactivity, especially lying in one position, may reduce blood flow, increase stiffness, and worsen sciatic nerve pain.
Where is the safest place to keep your wallet? ›
Keep It In Your Front Pocket
Our findings show that the front pocket is increasingly recognized as the optimal place to carry your wallet. Aside from reducing theft, this practice also minimizes the risk of physical discomfort and alignment issues with your overall posture.
Can gas pockets cause back pain? ›
Can gas cause back pain? Yes. Gas pain in the stomach may be felt in the upper back, and gas pain in the abdomen may be felt in the lower back. Some gas is normal for our digestive systems, with many people passing gas up to 20 times a day.
How to fix fat wallet syndrome? ›
Shockwave therapy is suggested by experts to reduce stiffness, while conditioning the glute muscles through exercises like clamshells and fire hydrant workouts is beneficial. In more severe cases, surgical decompression of the muscle and nerve may be prescribed as a treatment option.