Q&A: An easy fix for back pain?

After taking my wallet out of my back pocket, my persistent lower-back pain seems to have gone away. Could something so simple really have cured me? —C.H., Branford, Fla.

Yes. Sitting on your wallet can cause low-back pain by throwing your spine out of alignment and exerting pressure against the back muscles. Back specialists often suggest carrying your wallet in a front pocket for that very reason. But it’s wise to see your doctor if the pain returns, persists for more than a week or two, or is particularly intense. That could possibly indicate a more serious condition, including arthritis, kidney stones, an infection, or a tumor.

This item first appeared in the November 2007 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.