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. These symptoms are associated with “Fat Wallet Syndrome”!
What happens to the body when you sit on your wallet?
When people sit with a wallet in their back pocket, it tilts your pelvis to one side, which puts extra stress on your spine. The thicker your wallet the more stress you put on your pelvis and low back! There is actually a term for this called “fat wallet syndrome”, which refers to when your sciatic nerve (a nerve that starts at your low back and goes down the back of your leg) becomes compressed due to it being pinched between your wallet and your pelvis. The problems that happen with this is related to your intervertebral discs, nerve roots, uneven pressure that is put on the nerves, and the low back anatomy.
So what can be done to fix it?
Easy Change! Take your wallet out of your back pocket when you sit or drive, this helps reduce the stress on your lower back and helps you sit at a more neutral level.
What’s the deal with crossing your legs while you sit?
The same type of mechanism happens when women cross their legs as when men sit on their wallet. Sitting like this causes your pelvis to rotate and tilt,causing extra stress on the low back. When people sit with their legs crossed it most likely means they are also sitting with poor posture. Poor posture causes the body to work extra hard and compensate the use of already over worked muscles. These muscles transfer all the way up to the head! When you are sitting with a sideway pelvic tilt it causes your back to curve, which transfers all the way up to your shoulders becoming uneven. When your shoulders are uneven, it causes your head to be tilted as well.
Who knew that things most of us do on a daily basis could be putting quite the strain on the body! If you are experiencing low back pain that you think might be caused by sitting on your wallet or crossing your legs throughout the day, don’t hesitate toreach out! We are here to help you move better, feel better, and be a better you!
-Kinzie Koch, DC
FAQs
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.
How do you fix fat wallet syndrome? ›
However, if someone is already experiencing symptoms, there are several recommended methods to alleviate and treat the condition. Noninvasive approaches include using anti-inflammatory medications, engaging in stretching exercises, and strengthening the muscles in the affected area.
What is the fat wallet disease? ›
What is the fat wallet syndrome? Fat wallet syndrome, is a neuromuscular condition, where the wallet is compressing the sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle. Over the last couple of decades, wallets have progressively become bigger. The number of cards we carry – credit, fuel, store etc have increased.
How do you treat wallet neuropathy? ›
Treatment for this condition seeks to restore mobility and reduce the muscle inflammation. Physical therapists can typically treat the condition by taking the patient through a variety of strengthening exercises or a program like the McKenzie Method.
Can a thick wallet cause back pain? ›
Your wallet could be a problem
If you carry a thick wallet in your back pocket and rarely remove it when you sit, there's a chance it could be causing you back pain. When you sit on a wallet that's stuffed with cards, bills, and family photos, your butt doesn't rest evenly on your seat.
What is another name for fat wallet syndrome? ›
Synonyms of Fat Wallet Syndrome
Wallet sciatica, piriformis syndrome, pelvic outlet syndrome, wallet neuropathy, wallet neuritis, credit carditis and hip pocket syndrome (Table 1) [1].
What is the life expectancy of someone with lipodystrophy? ›
Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are key, as those with lipodystrophy face a shorter life expectancy of no more than 50 years. Comorbidities can include symptoms of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, diabetes, accelerated coronary disease, organ failure, body pain and more.
Why is my body not storing fat? ›
A person can be born with lipodystrophy or develop it later in life. In either case, the resulting inability to maintain fat tissue beneath the skin can have severe, life-threatening consequences over time.
What drink is good for neuropathy? ›
Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It's critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors. Aim to drink eight 8-oz. of water each day.
Which vitamin is best for nerve repair? ›
B vitamins like B12, B6, B3, B1 are essential for nerve health. These vitamins can help with the healing of nerve damage and relieve nerve damage symptoms like numbness and tingling—this is why they are called 'neurotropic' vitamins.
Specific foods to limit or avoid include gluten, excessive alcohol, added sugars, refined grains, unhealthy fats, and heavily processed items. Even healthy foods could contain hidden compounds that worsen neuropathy. The key is focusing on fresh, whole foods that fight inflammation.
How to fix fat wallet syndrome? ›
In fact, it has been observed that people who frequently sit with their wallets in their back pockets could be irritating the nerve in the same way, which has been nicknamed “fat wallet syndrome”. Stretching the piriformis could help reduce any swelling, tightness, or spasms that could be irritating the sciatic nerve.
Can hanging belly fat cause back pain? ›
Think of it like this: extra weight = extra stress on the spine and joints. Excess belly fat eventually causes the pelvis and lower back to slant forward. This creates a permanent and round arch in the back, which causes back pain.
How can I slim down my wallet? ›
5 Tips to Slim Your Wallet
- Five cards or less. Obviously, there are some non-negotiable essentials — for instance, an ID and credit card (get those points!) are must-haves. ...
- Go digital. ...
- Snap or skip receipts. ...
- Carry less cash. ...
- Get a slim wallet.
Simple treatments, including rest, anti-inflammatory medication, ice and proper footwear can usually manage heel fat pad syndrome.
How do you get rid of stored fat deposits? ›
By maintaining a healthy diet and keeping up with regular exercise, you can burn calories and shed the subcutaneous fat your body is storing. If you suspect you may have too much subcutaneous fat, talk to your healthcare provider.
How do you fix fat pad atrophy? ›
How do you treat fat pad atrophy? The mainstays of treatment for fat pad atrophy are custom-molded foot orthoses with padding, supportive shoes, and heel cups or cushioned socks to reduce impact while walking.
How do you fix fat atrophy? ›
Traditional treatment for fat atrophy includes tissue transfer from another region of the body using microsurgical techniques, as well as placement of synthetic implants. Both procedures have proven success and at times remain necessary. Newer treatment options for fat atrophy are also available.
