The name may inspire a laugh or two but “dead butt” syndrome is a thing and it can lead to serious problems down the road.

Dr. Robert Trasolini, an orthopedic surgeon, and sports medicine specialist with Northwell Health, spoke to People.

“The term itself is trendy,” he began adding that it has “been around for several years, if not longer.”

Trasolini says the official diagnosis is gluteus medius tendinosis‚ and it refers to “significant weakness in one of your gluteal muscles” specifically the gluteus medius on the side. A weak gluteus medius is caused by sitting or slumping and can cause nerve problems in the future.

“Sitting with an arched back or slouching at your desk can “put significant pressure on your deep butt muscles as well as your lower back.”

“When you put pressure on your gluteus maximus and medius, these muscles will start to deactivate and not function as well.”

Sluggish glutes can result in other muscles and joints, especially in the lower back and knees, picking up the slack. The pain can especially impact runners and athletes, like golfers and tennis players. (Tiger Woods has been forced to withdraw from competitions because of the condition.)

The good news is it is a “completely reversible problem” if you pay attention to the early warning signs. 

Getting up more frequently, moving about, and keeping your glutes strong can help you avoid acquiring Dead Butt Syndrome.  Taking breaks from sitting at your desk and adding stretching or workouts can help engage your butt muscles and stop the condition from getting worse.

https://people.com/dead-butt-syndrome-do-you-have-it-8712069