Think twice before carrying fat wallets in back pocket, say docs

BHUBANESWAR: Feeling numb and getting a tingling sensation around the hip region and down the leg? Then, do be careful about wearing tight bottomwear and keeping a fat wallet in your back pocket.
Neurologists said people tend to ignore piriformis syndrome (compression of sciatic nerve in piriformis muscle around hip), where spasm leads to pain. Although it is a self-limiting one in the initial stage, ignoring it may cause nerve damage and full-blown sciatica and wallet neuritis. People should be aware about how they sit, keep their wallets and the kind of trousers they wear.
Senior neurologist Dr Bikash Mishra called it not uncommon and it is a musculoskeletal problem. "This kind of problems improves with time and change in postures. Physiotherapy is also important to heal the spasm. In case of people with diabetes, this can stay for a bit longer," he said.
Doctors said people going on long drives and carrying wallets in the back pocket, may gradually damage the nerve followed by uncomfortable spasms. Despite the symptoms people continue to sit like that out of habit but in fact, they should consult a doctor at this juncture and do some prescribed exercises, they said.
Dr Soumya Ranjan Pradhan, neurologist said the symptoms ease by doing some stretching exercises guided by trained physiotherapists. "There is no need to panic, but one needs to be careful. Once uncomfortable with a wallet in the back pocket, quit the habit. Also, don't take painkillers or nerve pain relievers unless advised by doctors," he said, adding that the exogenous pressure transmitted by prolonged carrying of wallet leads to nerve compression.
Modern lifestyle, professional hazards, frequent commuting and travelling, sitting or standing hours for long hours, fashionable fatigues and stress are reasons or contributing factors to trigger a pririformis syndrome, said doctors.
Neurologist Dr Subhranshu Jena said besides piriformis syndrome, there is another condition called skinny pant syndrome in which pain in outer thigh occurs as the result of nerve injury. He said a little awareness can help deal with the complications.