While we traditionally view low back pain as the result of a problem localized to the low back itself, several studies have found that issues in adjacent parts of the body can play a role in the development of low back pain.  For example, chronically tight hamstrings can affect pelvic tilt, which in turn can alter the posture of the lumbar spine, potentially leading to low back pain. Another potential contributor to low back pain that’s often overlooked is glute muscle weakness.

In September 2024, the New York Times ran an article focused on a condition called gluteal amnesia, though it’s more colloquial name is dead butt syndrome. Gluteal amnesia is the result of prolonged inactivity of the three glute muscles (maximus, medius, and minimus). Prolonged inactivity can occur from things such as sitting at a desk or in a car for more than two to three hours at a time without getting up to move around and stretch. The gluteals help stabilize the hip, lift the leg, and rotate the thigh. This muscle group also serves an important role in the kinetic chain, and when not working properly, the risk for problems like hamstring tears, sciatica, shin splints, and knee arthritis increases.

Gluteal amnesia is NOT like the temporary numbness/tingling noticed when we sleep on an arm and it “falls asleep” or goes numb and recovers quickly when we change positions. Some people may feel a dull ache or pain after a long walk or after a jog or hike. Because muscle strength and activation are affected, the body may recruit nearby muscles to help perform regular movements, which can lead to pain in the lower back, for example.

Though it’s best to be examined by a qualified healthcare provider, like a doctor of chiropractic, you can perform the following test to check if you may have dead butt syndrome: stand on one leg letting the other leg dangle (standing sideways on a step holding onto a railing works well) press into your buttocks region on the dangling leg, it should feel soft (not firing); do the same on the other side; now stand on both feet and squeeze your “cheeks” hard; you should feel the muscle contract or get firm; if it takes a few squeezes before you feel it get firm, then you may have gluteal amnesia.

The key to overcoming this condition is to restore normal activation to the gluteal muscles. You can start by setting an alarm on your phone to stand up every 30-50 minutes and gently tap on your glut/butt cheeks with your fingertips. This reminds the brain that these muscles need to fire. Better yet, march in place, do some hip circles and squats and consciously tighten your gluts with each rep. Other exercises for this include clamshells, hip thrusts, side planks, split squats, and single-leg glut bridges. Just remember to consciously engage the glutes.

If the condition persists, schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic so they can determine if there are additional problems present that can be addressed with treatments provided in the office, such as manipulative or mobilization therapy, with the goal of helping restore normal function.