What is Dormant Butt Syndrome?

A sleepy rear end could be the cause of aches and pains in your knees, hips and back.

Dormant Butt Syndrome, a silly-sounding but very real condition, can occur as a result of a lack of physical activity and neglecting the glute muscles.

“Glute muscles are sometimes overlooked in exercise regimens but actually play an important part in supporting the rest of your body,” says Dr. John Cherf, a sports medicine physician and orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. “Your glutes help support your back and keep your pelvis and lower extremities aligned correctly. If the glute muscles aren’t strong enough, that strain is passed on to other parts of your body, such as hip flexors, knees, hamstrings and the lower back.”

Dormant Butt Syndrome can affect both people who stay fit and those who don’t exercise. Establishing and varying your exercise routine can help you avoid a lazy behind.

“First and foremost, make sure you’re maintaining a physically active lifestyle,” says Dr. Cherf. “Once you’ve established the activities that work best for you, think about how you can vary your routine to hit a variety of muscle groups, including your glutes. For example, if you’re a runner or like to go on walks to get your exercise in, consider adding some weight training once per week to make sure you’re activating as many muscles as possible.”

Dr. Cherf also recommends stretching regularly and avoiding long periods of sitting whenever possible.

“Unnecessary muscle strain can lead to more than just temporary discomfort,” adds Dr. Cherf. “It could put you at risk for more serious injuries or cause increased pain in those muscles and joints as you age.”

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