The effect of wallet on your spine:
Stuffing a wallet in your back pocket also tilts your pelvis to one side, which puts more stress on your spine. The bigger your wallet is, the more lopsided you are forced to sit and the achier you will end up. Switching your billfold to your front pocket will not help much; it can create a pinch between your thigh and torso especially when you are in the car; which could also lead to discomfort.
The weight in your handbag can cause many health problems:
- Upper neck and back pain.
- Poor posture.
- Muscle spasms.
- Sciatica (including nerve pain in the buttocks and down the legs).
- Tendinitis of the elbow.
- Tension headaches.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or fingers due to pinched nerves.
Tips that helps reduce the pain
- Take your wallet out of your pants when you sit down or drive.
- Use both shoulder straps when carrying a backpack.
- For bags with a single shoulder strap, lift the strap over the head to rest the strap on the shoulder opposite to the side of the bag. This helps to distribute the weight more evenly. Be sure that the straps are positioned so that the bag sits above the waist to reduce pressure on the spine and nervous system.
- Alternate shoulders regularly to avoid undue strain on one side of the body.
- Focus on your posture. Walk upright and don’t slouch this will help keep your body balanced, despite carrying a heavy load.
