Do you suffer from dead butt syndrome?

Countless studies have shown that sitting all day is not good for your health. Considering that a large part of the population works in front of a computer, this is a reality that cannot be avoided so easily.

An incorrect posture can lead to pain at the end of the day, but to escape this problem just follow basic ergonomic tips. Another inconvenience caused by long hours at the office may not be so well known, but it happens often and is called buttock syndrome or gluteal amnesia. The name may sound like a joke, but it is quite common in physical therapy clinics.

Soft ass?

The problem is characterized by inadequate functioning of the gluteus medius, one of the three main buttock muscles. According to Kristen Schuyten, a physiotherapist at a hospital in Michigan, "This can happen in people who sit for long periods, but it also happens in people who don't exercise the area enough, even though they're very active."

The muscle is responsible for stabilizing the pelvis, also known as the pelvis, and its weakening can cause lower back and hip pain, naturally compensating to try to soften the imbalance.

Dead butt syndrome is caused by a natural process called reciprocal inhibition. When our brain sends a command to flex any muscle in our body, the opposite is also warned, but to remain relaxed. When sitting for long periods, hip flexors are requested, while the buttocks are signaled to relax. Unused muscles eventually become weak, leading to the syndrome.

Chiropractor Andrew Bang says he has witnessed the condition even in marathon runners. As much as they are very active, the disproportionate strengthening of the hips and hamstrings makes the glutes also relaxed for a long time.

Are my glutes up to date?

Only a professional can evaluate, and confirm, if you really suffer from gluteal amnesia syndrome, but it is through the Trendelenburg test that the analysis is done. It consists of lifting one leg back while standing. The problem is identified by tilting the pelvis to the side of the raised leg, as this indicates the weakened middle gluteus.

Bang also says that the curvature of the spine can point the problem. Her "S" shape is natural, but when in excess it can mean that the hip flexors are very strong, forcing this posture.

Ways to avoid the problem

The best way to avoid the problem is to take short breaks during the day so you can walk or even stretch. Kristen recommends scheduling an alarm on her cell phone as a reminder.

When performing the movements, remember that the targets should be the glutes. Bang recommends an exercise in which one leg is raised while standing, while the big toe points downward. This causes the gluteus medius to be specifically requested, with only 10 to 15 repetitions for the movement to have the desired effectiveness.

Regardless of the movements chosen, the important thing is their variation, avoiding as much as possible to spend long periods in the same position. Some people have even used pilates balls as a chair at work, but even this option should have a regular variation, according to Bang.

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