In any given office space you will likely see a range of postures ranging from full armadillo mode, fully hunched over with rounded shoulders, to fully upright, possibly even using a standing desk. Some employers even require training on how to properly adjust an office chair and may invest multiple six figures to ensure employees have the best chairs and desk set-ups possible. One phenomenon, more recently recognized as “Dead Butt Syndrome,” might suggest that sitting too often can lead to a slew of spinal and pelvic alignment problems that can be the root cause of chronic pain.

“Dead Butt Syndrome,” more formally known as gluteus medius tendinopathy or gluteal amnesia, occurs after a period of sitting when the glutes can grow numb or even slightly sore as a result from supporting weight without blood flow. In most cases, this is a one-time thing, as you can stand up, stretch, and with a little time your glutes are awake and active again. However, there are some cases where the prolonged and repeated sitting can cause the glutes to be chronically numb and forget their job, which is supporting and aligning the pelvis while up and moving.

So, if you go from the car to the desk and back to the car then to the couch each day, with little walking and little exercise, you might notice you are begging to experience some odd lower back pain and some difficulty when life demands that you move a little faster, like when your kids want to play in the yard, or when you drop some of your groceries and they start to roll away.

The simple solution to avoid gluteus medius tendinopathy is to make sure you’re getting enough physical activity. Walking each day can be enough to keep your glutes active and ready, and finding time to stand and even walk around for a bit at work if you have a desk job can do wonders if you feel you are beginning to experience numbness more regularly. If you want to take it a step further, actively strengthening the glutes can do even more. Exercises like squats, sumo-stance deadlifts, glute bridges, glute-ham raises and abductions can help to strengthen the glutes and keep the hips healthy.

With health issues that are easily preventable, like Dead Butt Syndrome, knowing is half the battle. If you live a busy life, and think you don’t have time to get in a workout, find the time to walk each day, and stand up more often. This will help you stay active and mobile much longer than if you stay seated.