Is Your Wallet a Pain?
By Sara Butler
When you think of a wallet, you probably think the fatter the better! After all, a fat wallet means you have a lot to put in it. While that may be true as a reflection of your bank balance, it's not true when it comes to the health of your back. In fact, your wallet may be the root cause of your lower back, hip, or leg pain. If you carry around a large wallet (and sit on it!), then there are a few things the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic want you to know.
A Big Wallet: Your Friend?
Wallets are very convenient. They carry your cash, credit cards, identification, and your Blockbuster Video card. It can be difficult to let things go, but for the sake of your back, it may be time to cut the cord.
Even if you keep your wallet relatively thin by cleaning it out often, if you're sitting on it in your back pocket, then you may be setting yourself up for problems. That's because when you sit on a wallet, no matter how thick or thin, it's creating an imbalance in your hips. This imbalance can have an impact on your entire body, throwing your hips and pelvis off in such a way that requires other parts of your body to compensate.
If this goes on for too long, then you can develop joint restrictions and dysfunctions that can lead to pain and even degenerative joint issues. The solution? Take your wallet out of your pocket when you sit down but don't put it in your front pocket, either. Doing so can pinch your thigh and torso in a way that can cause a whole new set of problems. Take your wallet out of your pockets when seated and you'll help eliminate any potential issues.
What Now?
Now that you understand the problems a giant (or not-so-giant) wallet can cause, then it's time to make a few changes in your life. To help make your wallet a non-issue in your health and wellness, you should:
- Use a money clip - Go classic with a money clip if you can because it doesn't allow you to overstuff it and carry around things unnecessarily
- Go minimal - Minimalist wallets are now sold that don't allow you to carry around stuff you don't need
As always, see the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic for regular adjustments to ensure that there are no lingering issues from your bad wallet habits. Then you can live healthier and free from back pain!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Magnolia, Tex.