Suitable sex positions for back pain

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MunichPregnancy, menstrual cramps or high heels - these are just some of the reasons why women often suffer from back pain. If the back is constantly pinching, the desire for sex can sometimes go away. The good news: Researchers have now investigated which positions still allow the Schäferstündchen.

Spoon the alpha and omega?

“Many believe that the spoon position during sex is the best position for people with back pain,” explains study director Natalie Sidorkewicz from the University of Waterloo. "It can sometimes be the worst position for certain types of pain." Because in the spoon position, the spine is heavily stressed, whereas some other positions - such as the doggy position - tend to work from the hip.

Using biomechanical movement patterns, the researchers analyzed ten couples in five different sex positions. In order to record the motion sequences in three dimensions, the participants equipped them with numerous measuring points. Otherwise, this method is often used when creating animated films. In this way, lifelike movements can be simulated. This made it possible for the scientists to see how the spine moves in five different sex positions.

Bring pillows into play

After evaluating the data, the researchers were able to make recommendations for the women suffering from pain. Accordingly, those who have lower back pain when stretching or lying on their stomach should resort to the missionary position. A pillow in the lower back usually provides additional relief.

Women who have pain when they bend forward, for example when they reach for their feet, do best with the spoon or doggy position. When doing this, she should support herself with her hands and not with her elbows so that her back stays straight.

Not one for everyone

“It is important that a certain sex position is not suitable for every type of back pain,” explains Sidorkewicz. Nevertheless, these recommendations can help many people to improve their sex life - and thus the quality of life - again.

Just recently, Natalie Sidorkewicz's team of researchers published a study on which sex position is particularly suitable for men with back pain. As previous studies have shown, around 84 percent of men and 73 percent of women suffer from lower back pain - and therefore have less sex. (jb)

Source:Natalie Sidorkewicz, Stuart M. McGill: "Documenting female spine motion during coitus with a commentary on the implications for the low back pain patient", European Spine Journal. 10/28/2014

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