Infographics12 April 2025 - 17:40

What you should know about dead butt syndrome

If you sit for long, rarely taking a walk or even standing, over time, a numbing feeling will emerge in your butt.

by Hillary Bett

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Dead butt syndrome, or gluteal amnesia, is a condition where prolonged sitting or inactivity leads to weakened or inactive gluteal muscles, potentially causing pain and mobility issue.

The muscles that support your ability to walk to buy your vegetables in your groceries, help your child to jump in the bouncing castle or even sit are called glutes or gluteal muscles.

If you sit for long, rarely taking a walk or even standing, over time, a numbing feeling will emerge in your butt or even a sore, stiff sensation in the glutes.

This often results in dull ache, sharp pain, or numbness in the buttocks, hips, or lower back, especially when sitting or standing up.

Weak glutes can lead to other muscles compensating, potentially causing imbalances and further problems.

Difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or other movements that require gluteal muscle activation.