In today’s sedentary society, a new illness emerges every other day. A new health problem is gaining attention called gluteus medius tendonitis. Commonly known as “dead butt syndrome,” this condition is caused by a weak or inactive gluteus medius muscle. This weakness can be caused by frequent long periods of sitting, driving a car, or prolonged screen time.
This health condition, also known as gluteal amnesia, occurs when excessive sitting causes weak and inactive gluteal muscles, particularly the gluteus medius and minimus, which are essential for stabilizing the pelvis, maintaining good posture and facilitating movement, leading to discomfort, pain and long-term health problems.
Deadbutt syndrome is becoming more prevalent as more people spend hours in front of their phones, computer screens, and TVs. Experts believe this health condition can lead to a variety of problems, including knee injuries, hip pain, and back pain.
“The name sounds silly, but the side effects are serious,” Jane Conidis, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, told The New York Times. She also noted that the gluteus maximus is the strongest muscle in the human body and its greatest shock absorber. When the gluteus maximus doesn’t function properly, it causes a whole host of problems, including hamstring pain, sciatica, shin splints and knee arthritis.
Deadbutt Syndrome: Impact
When the gluteus maximus becomes paralyzed due to prolonged sitting, it can lead to a series of adverse effects, including lower back pain, poor posture, and increased risk of injury. Sedentary people need to exercise regularly to avoid the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Dead Butt Syndrome has wider implications on your overall health than just muscle inactivity. When your glutes, and especially your lower back and hips, don’t function properly, they end up overworking themselves to compensate. This can lead to a variety of alignment issues, including increased stress on the spine and increased risk of injury.
Sitting for long periods of time can cause poor circulation and symptoms of deadbutt syndrome, which can lead to further problems such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Deadbutt Syndrome: Prevention
Reducing the effects of prolonged sitting requires significant lifestyle changes. The main strategy for combating dead butt syndrome is to incorporate regular exercise, focusing on activities that strengthen the buttocks, and to move frequently.
You should reactivate and strengthen your gluteal muscles by engaging in exercises like squats, lunges, glute bridges, etc. Apart from this, standing desks, integrating stretching routines, and regular walks can enhance muscle function and overall health. Addressing ailments such as dead butt syndrome is crucial to maintaining your physical health in a sedentary lifestyle.
First Published: September 6, 2024 | 02:56 PM IST
