What’s in your wallet?
If it’s big and bulky and you’re sitting on it, you may be at risk for piriformis syndrome. According to Wikipedia:
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or otherwise irritated by the piriformis muscle. This causes pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and along the course of the sciatic nerve. The syndrome may result from anatomical variations in the muscle-nerve relationship, or from overuse or strain.
Ouch.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other RSIs aren’t enough of an occupational hazard to worry about? Did you know that a primary cause of piriformis syndrome is sitting on a wallet in the back pocket for extended periods of time? That’s why the condition is also known as “wallet sciatica.” It’s not just wallets, sitting on anything aside from the natural padding under your skin (some of us have more of that than others) can cause the painful condition.
Thankfully, it’s easy enough to treat with stretching and of course, not leaving your wallet in your back pocket while you work. Eric Mack learned he was sitting on his back problem and swears by his Grahl Duo-Back chair for easing pressure on the sore points. My husband has been in a lot of pain due to sciatica lately as well.
Is sciatica a problem for you? Any sure-fire remedies to suggest?
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