Two small indentations or “dimples” on the lower back, often just above the buttocks, are medically known as “sacral dimples” or “dimples of Venus.” For many people, these dimples are simply a natural physical trait with no health implications. They are caused by a slight variation in the way the skin and underlying tissue connect to the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine. However, while usually harmless and purely cosmetic, these dimples sometimes carry different meanings depending on their nature and location.
First and foremost, sacral dimples are common and typically considered a normal anatomical variation. They often run in families and are thought by some cultures to symbolize beauty or good luck. These dimples appear because of a small indentation in the skin where ligaments attach to the sacrum. Many people admire these dimples as a unique feature that adds character to the lower back, similar to how cheek dimples are viewed. In fact, the term “dimples of Venus” comes from an association with beauty, referencing the Roman goddess of love.
In most cases, two dimples on the lower back don’t indicate any medical problem. They usually do not cause pain or discomfort and don’t affect mobility. People with these dimples can live completely normal lives without any special care. In fact, many people don’t even realize they have them until someone points them out or they notice them in a mirror. These indentations are just part of natural human anatomical diversity, much like different ear shapes or freckles.
However, doctors sometimes pay attention to dimples on a newborn’s lower back because, in rare cases, they can be linked to underlying spinal issues, such as spina bifida occulta or tethered spinal cord syndrome. These conditions involve incomplete development or abnormal attachments in the spine and can have neurological consequences if untreated. That said, most dimples found in healthy adults are benign and not related to any spinal problems. If a dimple is accompanied by other signs like hair tufts, redness, swelling, or drainage, especially in infants, medical evaluation is warranted.
For adults or older children who have two small symmetrical dimples on their lower back with no other symptoms, these are usually nothing to worry about. They are simply a cosmetic trait, sometimes regarded as an aesthetic feature. Some even view them as a natural “beauty mark,” and they have been celebrated in art and culture throughout history. If you have these dimples and no pain or neurological symptoms, you likely don’t need to seek any medical advice specifically for them.
In summary, two dimples on the lower back, known as sacral dimples or dimples of Venus, are usually just harmless anatomical features that add to your unique appearance. They rarely indicate any health concerns and are often admired for their natural beauty. If you or a loved one has these dimples with additional symptoms or if they are present in an infant with other skin changes, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. Otherwise, these small indentations are simply a fascinating part of human variation and a subtle reminder of the complexity of the human body.