After a long day at work, sitting at your desk, or with the monsoon leading to waterlogged roads and sitting in the car for hours can make you feel stiff. You feel tight around your hip and lower back, but it could also lead to gluteal amnesia or the dead butt syndrome. Experts agree that though the name sounds silly, however, warn of the serious side effects. What Happens In Dead Butt Syndrome?The gluteus maximus is one of the strongest muscles in the human body and it can also the biggest shock absorber. Experts say that if it is not working properly, it may lead to a domino chain of issues, from hamstring tears and sciatica to shin splits and arthritis in the knees. Gluteal amnesia or dead butt syndrome happens when these muscles become weak due to inactivity. Excessive inactivity can lead to these muscles forgetting how to function. How Is It Different From Muscles "Falling asleep"?Your muscles fall asleep when a nerve is compressed. This means you won't feel pins or needles. However, in dead butt syndrome, the muscle shuts down. Why Does It Happen?Glutes are made of three muscles on the outside and the back of the hip that helps to stabilise the hip, life the leg, and rotate the thigh. It also acts as a base of the spine. When the sitting is prolonged it can cause a delay in the neurons that signals the glutes to activate. These prolonged cycles can then cause the glutes to become weaker and can cause lower back pain and knee pain. How To Detect?Experts suggest that you can tell yourself if you have gluteal amnesia. The simplest test is to stand on one leg and then put weight on the leg and squeeze the glute hard. This makes you feel firm in your muscle, if your glute is weak, you may not feel it once. You can also try to do a glute bridge and if your glutes feel burn, it means your glutes are active. What Can You Do To Prevent?Set an alarm, and go for a stroll in between your work. Experts also suggest some exercises such as clamshells, hip thrusts, side planks, split squats and single-leg-glute bridges.Who Is At More Risk? People who are above the age of 40 are more prone to have a dead butt syndrome. The pain spreads from the pelvic region to the lower legs. It may also lead to gait problems. People who have poor posture or alignment while sitting can also face this syndrome.