Morayo Ogunbayo | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Its name might sound funny, but its long-term effects are no laughing matter. “Dead butt syndrome,” an affliction that once targeted athletes, is now a major cause of pain and discomfort among people who sit at a desk for hours a day. The name refers to a serious weakening in one of the gluteal muscles, and while the early symptoms can lead to pain in the lower back and muscles, which in the long term can affect quality of life.
Gluteus medius tendinosis, often referred to as gluteal tendinopathy, is a tendon disorder that manifests in the hip and buttocks area , according to the Cleveland Clinic. The condition causes tendon tissue to break down or deteriorate and is a common cause of hip pain. Although it can affect anyone, it is more in women past the age of menopause.
Runners, skiers and dancers are also more prone to this affliction. It is most typically caused by putting too much pressure on those tendons through physical activity or through tendon compression from an accident. According to the Cleveland Clinic, excess pressure from weight gain or obesity can also aid in gluteal tendinopathy.
The cause of the condition, however, is underuse of these tendons through inactivity or a generally sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms of “dead butt syndrome” most commonly manifest as moderate hip pain , according to the Cleveland Clinic. This pain may occur while walking upstairs or up an incline, lying on you.