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16th September 2024
01:10pm BST
If you’ve ever noticed stiffness or soreness in your lower back after sitting for long hours at a desk or in a car, you might be dealing with a condition known as ‘gluteal amnesia,’ or more commonly, Dead Butt Syndrome.
This phenomenon occurs when one of the largest muscle groups in your body - the gluteal muscles - begins to "forget" how to function properly due to inactivity.
Dr. Kenneth Monaghan, a Clinical Musculoskeletal Specialist Physiotherapist and Lecturer in Health Science and Physiology at Atlantic Technological University, recently joined RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime to discuss this increasingly common issue.
Dr. Monaghan explained that gluteal amnesia, or ‘gluteal deactivation’, is a condition where the gluteal muscles - comprised of three large muscles in the buttocks - fail to work effectively.
These muscles are crucial for absorbing the shock from walking or running, maintaining pelvic stability, and supporting proper back movement. They play a constant role in both standing and sitting postures.
"The problem arises when people sit for extended periods of time," Dr. Monaghan noted. "It’s not just about sitting for a few hours; it's when people sit continuously at desks or in front of screens for weeks or even months on end."
Over time, this prolonged inactivity leads to dysfunction in the gluteal muscles.
One of the primary symptoms of Dead Butt Syndrome is pain in the lower back or gluteal area. According to Dr. Monaghan, patients often misattribute this pain to other causes, such as issues with the sacroiliac joint.
He explained that the muscles on the front of the hip shorten slightly during prolonged sitting, while those at the back—like the gluteals—become stretched and weakened. "If this happens over long periods, it can lead to microtrauma in the gluteal muscles, reducing their effectiveness."
When the gluteals fail to perform their stabilizing and shock-absorbing roles, other muscles in the body compensate, often leading to further injury.
"If a big muscle like the gluteals doesn’t work properly, it puts additional strain on surrounding muscles, which can eventually lead to conditions like hamstring tears, shin splints, or even exacerbating disc problems in the spine," Dr. Monaghan warned.
For people who spend all day sitting, especially athletes, this dysfunction can be particularly harmful.
"Even if someone is a top sports person, they need to be cautious after a long day at a desk. Gluteal activation exercises are often recommended to prepare the muscles before engaging in physical activity," he said.
While athletes are more familiar with gluteal issues due to their high levels of physical activity, Dr. Monaghan stressed that non-athletes are just as susceptible.
"People who don’t usually think about these injuries should be aware of them. Even if you're not playing sports, if you go for a walk in the evening after sitting all day, your gluteals still need to be working properly."
The condition affects anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle, making regular movement and gluteal activation exercises essential to maintain healthy muscle function.
To combat Dead Butt Syndrome, it's important to incorporate more movement into your daily routine, especially if you sit for long stretches.
Simple gluteal activation exercises, regular walking, and standing breaks throughout the day can go a long way in keeping your gluteal muscles functioning properly.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Dead Butt Syndrome, consider consulting a physiotherapist to address the issue before it worsens.
