Many folks notice butt numbness or pain after sitting all day long, which is a common health issue known officially as gluteal amnesia but is also referred to as “dead glute syndrome” or “dead butt syndrome.”

“Oftentimes, when you’re sitting for long periods of time, your iliopsoas is shortened because it’s held in a tight position, and your gluteus medius becomes weak because it’s not really being asked to do anything in that seated position,” said Dr. O’Connell.

As time goes on, this weakness can cause damage to the tendon, she added. Dr. O’Connell said she sees “several people with this every single day.” 

If you have a job that requires you to be at a desk all day, consider getting a standing desk, shared Dr. O’Connell. “I like to have [people] standing for at least five minutes out of every half an hour,” she continued.

Read the full article at huffpost.com. 

Tech neck might start as mild discomfort, but if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious issues in the long run. The forward head posture puts significant strain on the cervical spine, causing the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and upper back to work overtime to support the weight of your head (it’s heavy!). Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances, joint degeneration, and even disc bulges or herniated discs. “Long term effects of tech neck include chronic neck pain and headache, pain from compressed nerves going to the arms and poor balance resulting from poor posture," according to Jennifer O'Connell, MD, physiatrist at HSS. 

Read the full article at womenshealthmag.com. 

Side sleeping is considered best for a variety of conditions and health issues, including alleviating neck and back pain, sleep apnea and pregnancy. The right pillow is also key to getting the most comfort from side sleeping. To find out your ideal pillow size, Dr. O’Connell recommends standing against a wall with your shoulder pressed to it. next to the wall and measuring the distance between the wall and your head. She says that’s what the thickness of your pillow should be.

According to Dr. O’Connell, side sleeping “is more comfortable for older and less flexible spines.” Dr. O’Connell also noted that side sleeping allows people to curl up and bend their knees, which is helpful when someone lives with back pain and can’t fully extend their spine.

Read the full article at forbes.com. 

Sitting on the ground engages your core muscles in a way that just doesn’t happen when you’re sitting on a chair, according to Dr. O’Connell. Without back support from a chair, your core muscles automatically turn on, she said.

“And then just the mere act of getting up from that position is beneficial for your whole body. You’re exercising your hips, your knees, your entire lower chain and your core in order to get up,” Dr. O’Connell explained.

Read the full article at Huffpost.com

Back pain is one of those things that can be hard to pinpoint the source of and difficult to prevent. But the right shoes can significantly minimize discomfort and help manage symptoms. 

Dr. O'Connell recommends going to a foot specialist at a running store to be sized properly, which will help ensure that your shoes provide appropriate support for your body. 

“If you look at running shoes and other comfortable shoes, the heel is often rounded, said Dr. O'Connell. It's like a ramp that eases the shock as your foot strikes the ground and spreads it out over a wider area, minimizing shock going into your spine.”

Read the full article at forbes.com. 

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