Also known as gluteal amnesia or scientifically, gluteal tendinopathy, "Dead Butt Syndrome" loosely describes selective weakness in the buttock muscles, particularly the gluteus medius muscle, observes Evan Johnson, an expert of Och Spine Care Outpatient Physical Therapy, at NewYork-Presbyterian. The gluteus medius and other gluteus muscles commonly experience weakness and inhibition, contributing to many painful conditions.

The syndrome generally results from a lack of exercise. Long hours of sitting, at work or at home, can cause the gluteus medius to become increasingly lazy or inactive, notes Medhat F. Mikhael, medical director of the Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.

Despite dead butt syndrome and gluteal amnesia not recognizing as medical conditions, gluteal tendinopathy is a genuine medical affliction referring to disorders of the gluteus medius tendon.

The main three contributors to the gluteus muscle group are the gluteus maximus muscle (or your buttock), and the gluteus medius and minimus muscles. These muscles play an essential part in hip extension, hip abduction, pelvic stability, and lower limb alignment. A sedentary lifestyle can weaken these muscles, leading to less than ideal movement patterns, which stresses the hip and spine.

Inability to hold the pelvis level when standing on one leg can cause stress and pain on the hip, spine and down the leg on the knee when the gluteus medius is weak.

Individuals experiencing gluteal tendinopathy usually present with hip pain or increased fatigue, potentially thinking they have a pinched nerve. Dull, aching hip pain is a clear sign of this condition, sometimes leading to pain with walking and climbing stairs.

Individuals at risk of this syndrome extend beyond white-collar workers to include people with temporary reduced mobility due to illness, injury or recovery from surgery, and highly active individuals such as athletes, especially runners neglecting cross-training and strength training.

It is possible to prevent this syndrome through targeted exercise optimizing muscle balance, core strength, and proper mechanics. Motion is essential for good back and hip health, advises Johnson.

Symptoms of dead butt syndrome may be diagnosed through MRI or ultrasound, while treatment may involve corticosteroid injections, exercise, shock wave therapy, and in persistent cases, surgery. Failing to seek treatment promptly may lead to hip osteoarthritis, progressive tendinopathy, and chronic hip bursitis.