Sex and the bad back: Exploring new positions to benefit your back and your love life

Jun 29, 2012, 8:25 a.m.

Having back problems can present an unwanted third party at what would be a great sexual experience. Several conditions, such as arthritis, disc problems, or joint degeneration, require you modify normal sexual positions in order to avoid the pain and continue enjoying the experience.

Back-friendly sex positions can be enjoyed by anyone, and according to Dr. Lauren Hebert, physical therapist and the author of Sex and Back Pain, sex can be an enjoyable experience if the couple explores different positions in order to alleviate back pain.

The missionary position is challenging for the person who experiences back pain. It limits movement, however Dr. Hebert advises the use of props or variations in this position if it is the preferred. For the partner on top in the missionary position, the strain on the lower back can be quite painful. Bending your knees will help. If the partner on bottom experiences back pain, a pillow can provide relief, or propping onto the elbows can alleviate back strain. The couple can also try an alternative to this position by laying on their sides.

If a disk problem presents pain during sex, try kneeling or sitting to help control the arch in the back. Lying on the stomach naturally puts an arch in the back and allows you to further control muscle and joint strain. Placing a pillow under the chest will further increase the arch. In order to decrease the arch, place a pillow under the stomach area. This will naturally flatten the spine and will also decrease pain.

Arthritis sufferers can alleviate back pain during sex by supporting their knees or lower pack with a pillow or pulling the knees up to the chest during sex. Experiment to discover which works best. These positions will place the arthritis sufferer in the passive position. For top partners experiencing back pain, the modified missionary position could work by propping the partner with pillows, bringing her or him closer. A kneeling position also works well for people with arthritis, with one behind the other.

Dr. Hebert also suggests that those suffering with joint problems can find relief and enjoyment by relaxing the hips during sex. This is accomplished by simply bending the leg on the most painful side. The couple can also realize added enjoyment by laying on their sides, one behind the other.

Sex is hardly worth the effort if you can't enjoy it, but back problems do not necessarily mean you must say "no" to sex. Relaxation is the key to enjoyable sex as well as alleviating back pain. Have fun with your partner and discover what you may have been missing with some great back-friendly sex positions.

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