Wallets are causing men

unbearable pain

and it has nothing to do with a lack of cash.Physiotherapists say they have seen a surgein the number of men complaining of lower back pain and the lowly wallet is their chief suspect.

Experts say men who sit down with their wallets in their back trouser pocket riskdamaging key nerves

Men who drive with their wallet stuffed intotheir back trouser pocket appear to be mostat risk.

•The condition is a form

sciatic neuropathy

, since it affects thesciatic nerve. But it's becomingso common that it has evenbeen given other names -- hip-pocket syndrome or walletneuropathy.

sciaticasciatica

is piriformis syndrome, socalled because of the involvement of thepiriformis, a short, thick, pear-shapedmuscle that runs from your sacrum, thelower part of your pelvic bone, to thehead of your femur, or upper thigh bone.

You use this muscle when youextend your hip or rotate it outward.In most people, the sciatic nerve cord runs near this muscle.

Treatment

•Treatment is aimed at maximizingmobility and independence. Thecause of the nerve dysfunctionshould be identified and treated asappropriate. In some cases, notreatment is required. Exercise andphysical therapy is introduced intothe treatment regime .

Prevention

Prevention varies depending on the cause of the nervedamage. Avoid prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on thebuttocks

, and exercise.

Or ……the safest way …. Keep your wallet in safe hands …with your wife’s ….

Prepared by Elham Al Saadi - ZADCO – HSE

References BBC News/ Med.on line