Sex and Back Pain

If you think that you should avoid having sex with your partner because you have Back Pain, I think you are wrong. Sex is not only for the enjoyment, it has other benifits too.
Sex is a workout for your cardiovascular system, and you also burn a few calories. When you have sex, blood flow increases, which improves the appearance of your skin. Orgasm causes the release of endorphins, which promote restful sleep.

Now lets talk about the topic. Back pain is the most common problem for all age group people. sometime it becomes a major hurdle in the sex life of married couple.

Types of back pain:

there are two types of back pain according to the duration.

1. Acute back pain is intense but will resolve within weeks, here you have to avoid sex for few weeks otherwise it will become worst in later stages. In acute conditions allow your back pain and spasm to subside. After pain subsides you can go ahead but remember, be carefull and avoid experimenting new positions.

2. Chronic back pain lasts longer than 3 weeks, sometimes months or years. Here i wont say to stop sex for months or year.  In this condition you’ll need to plan your sexual activity more carefully.

Guidelines:

The best way to find comfortable positions during sex is to re-create the positions that are comfortable to your lower back during everyday activities. For example, if the back support of a particular chair is good,
then use that chair for sexual intercourse. Or find the position in bed that causes the least discomfort for your spine. In order to decrease strain on your back, here are some general guidelines:

1. Avoid positions that increase the low back curve—that motion causes pressure on the facet joints (the joint between two back bone).

2. Avoid lying flat on your stomach.

3.  Avoid bending forward at the hips with your legs straight—this causes stretching of the sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles.

4.  Keep the amount of weight your partner puts on your body to a minimum. Place your hands on the bed to support your weight.

5.  Avoid the man-on-top “missionary position.” For men this position increases lumbar lordosis and stretch on low back muscles. For women on the bottom, any movement of the pelvis will require extension of the spine and increased pain.

6.  The partner without pain should play active role.

7. A flat lower back and upward lift to the pelvis (pelvic tilt) is pleasant and protective.

Painless sex positions:

1. Spoon position.
2. Straddle position
3. All-fours position.
4. Rocking chair.

"So enjoy sex, but not at the cost of your health".

Note: This is knowledge based articles. Please refer "Heal Your Back" written By David B. for more knowledge.

Dr. Ajay Upadhyay

Sports Physiotherapist