Best Sexual Positions for Back Pain
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: Back pain isn’t just one of the most common reasons for people to miss work; it can also affect your sex life. But new guidelines based on how the spine moves during intercourse could help. A frequently asked question is “How can I have sex without causing further damage or pain to myself or my partner?” People are sometimes embarrassed to ask the question, but it is information that they need.
First, people need to understand that there is an emotional aspect to back pain. Back pain can cause stress. The partner who does not have back pain can have a lack of understanding and perceive the stress and reluctance to have sex as a personal rejection and/or resentment. Research has shown to taking it slow and being patient is beneficial. Start off with a light massage, shower or even just gently rubbing in a soothing pain lotion to help loosen the muscles.
Back pain affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives, and low back pain is the main reason for disability. Regarding sex, doctors used to recommend the spooning position for people with back pain, despite a lack of scientific evidence to support it. Also, a sex position that’s appropriate for one type of pain, might not work for another type of pain.
For men who have an increase in pain while bending forward or after sitting for a period of time, the best positions will be a modified “doggy-style” position while their partner supports their weight on either their hands or elbows. If pain is increased by flexion and motion, then a modified “missionary” position is suggested where the man supports his weight on his hands and his partner flexes their hips and knees. If extension causes back pain, it is suggested that this position is modified so that his weight is supported on his elbows. Another position that is suggested for men with extension related pain is the side position or “spooning”. This will help to minimize the pain from extension and minimize the weight bearing.
For women who have an increase in pain when they sit too long or flex forward to touch their toes the best position are ones that minimize spinal flexion like spooning or “doggy-style” with their weight supported on their hands or elbows. If the pain is increased with extension or arching their back then the best position is a modified “missionary” position with their hips and knees flexed.
The good news is that healthy sexual relations will help to minimize stress which ultimately helps to reduce back pain.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
