cause of back-pain

stop this cause of Back Pain and even Sciatica

Jul 14, 2023

Are you aware that the cause of your back pain could be as innocuous as a daily routine? Prepare to be surprised as we unravel an everyday habit that might be the secret villain behind your discomfort.

The Unexpected Culprit: Your Wallet

Could something as simple as sitting down with your wallet in your back pocket cause back pain and even sciatica pain?

One of the first lessons regarding habits and their effects upon our body happened to me over 30 years ago. I can distinctly remember sitting in my Chiropractor’s office and reading an article about the effects that carrying a wallet in your back pocket and sitting on it had upon your back. 

As a young man, I did as my dad did. After all most habits or traits are passed done in families, and these patterns exist in families. My dad carried his wallet in his back pocket, and more than likely so did his dad.  These were the days when cash was the most common form of payment; cargo pants were not around (unless you were in the army);  the mobile phone was not yet mobile (it was still attached to your car) and therefore there was no Apple iPay;  and it was the norm to place your wallet in the back pocket.

As I made my way through the article it made more sense.  If I was to take the wallet out of my back pocket, place it onto a seat and sit on it, it would be a bit uncomfortable.  And really, why would I sit on a wallet if it was on the seat? I would move it. 

It then did not make sense to sit on my wallet when it was in my back pocket!

Changing Habits, Reducing Pain

Anahad O’Connor of the New York Times published this article (2006) mentioning this dilemma. Although it was popularized by an episode of the “Seinfeld” series in the 1990’s, the phenomenon was first described in a brief article in The New England Journal of Medicine in 1966, when credit cards were beginning to proliferate.

Day to day habits create the larger problems that we are faced with today.  Change your habits and change your life.  After all, and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Pro Tip: Small Lifestyle Changes for Back Health

Consider implementing small changes in your lifestyle that can help avoid unnecessary back strain. This can include re-evaluating the way you sit, taking frequent movement breaks if you work at a desk, and of course, considering where you store your wallet.

Conclusion

The link between back pain and seemingly simple habits like sitting on your wallet is often overlooked. Making a small adjustment could lead to a significant decrease in back discomfort and sciatica pain. Understand the habits that affect your health, change them if necessary, and move towards a more comfortable and pain-free life. Remember, a simple change today could save you from potential health complications tomorrow.

Family Chiropractic Chatswood: your partner in achieving optimal spinal health and overall wellbeing.

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