Back pain can be an obstacle that prevents a person from having satisfactory sex. While back pain can negatively impact a person’s sex life, implementing certain strategies and sex positions can result in a fulfilling sexual encounter.
Back pain is common and the
Difficulty performing certain actions and limiting a person’s range of movement can be disruptive to a healthy sex life. According to
This article suggests suitable sex positions for individuals experiencing back pain and provides other tips to help prevent pain and ensure comfort during intercourse.
Just as there are many types of back pain and different triggers that may result in discomfort, an individual can explore different sex positions to determine if they do not exacerbate back pain. A sex position that will work for a person with one type of back pain may not work for another.
Depending on whether a person’s back pain is flexion (forward bending) or extension (backward bending) intolerant, some positions may be preferable than others. An individual can experiment with different positions and identify which is most suitable for them. If they experience discomfort during a position, it is advisable that they stop to prevent worsening back pain. Some sex positions to consider
This is a suitable position for people with LBP that worsens when the back is arched (extension), such as those with degenerative disc disease and disk problems, for both top (insertive partner) and the bottom (receiving partner).
The top may find supporting their upper body with the elbows to be more comfortable than with their hands. The bottom can place a rolled towel under their lower back for support. Maintaining the spine in a slightly arched position can prevent the back from flattening, further flexing the spine.
This position has a small range of spinal flexion, or bending forward. As such, it may be a suitable position for those who experience back pain when bending forward or sitting for long periods.
The receiving partner may support their body weight either with their elbows or hands. This sex position also allows them to adjust their back based on their comfort. Additionally, the penetrating partner can limit the movement from their back and use their hips to perform the movement.
Also known as sidelying, this is a suitable position to relieve pressure on the back for a person with flexion-intolerant LBP. Performing this position while facing each other is often comfortable for those who experience pain after sitting for long periods.
This position is similar to side by side but involves the penetrative partner laying on their side behind the other person. Much like the side-by-side position, it may not suit those who find bending forward or slouching painful.
If the penetrative partner finds movement painful, they may consider lying on their back or a sturdy chair and allowing the receiving partner to straddle them. If the top partner prefers to lie down, a small towel can help keep the spine in its neutral position. Doing so may stabilize the back and reduce pain.
A variation of doggy style, this position involves the receiving partner lying down on their stomach, which automatically arches the back. A person who is more comfortable arching the back may place a pillow on their chest or support their upper body with their elbows.
Placing a pillow under the receiving partner’s pelvis can also help the top partner access the vagina or anus more easily without flexing their spine too much.
Alongside choosing a comfortable sex position, other tips that can help facilitate satisfactory sexual activity despite the presence of back pain may include:
Even with these tips and positions, a person may still experience back pain after sex. Individuals can typically manage back pain at home using the
Learn more about home remedies for back pain here.
Stress can also worsen pain and trigger painful spasms. Reducing stress through mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques and deep breathing may help relieve back pain.
Learn more about different relaxation techniques here.
A doctor can help explain a person’s back problems and offer tips for safe and pain-free sex. It is advisable for a person to contact their doctor if they experience chronic back pain that interferes with their daily activities, including sexual activity. Additionally, a person should seek immediate help if they are experiencing back pain with:
Back pain is a common condition that may hinder a person from performing daily activities, including sex. It may make sex uncomfortable or, in some cases, prevent a person from engaging in sexual activities.
Understanding a person’s back pain and the positions or postures that trigger it can help couples find alternative positions and modifications to keep sex enjoyable and comfortable.
Last medically reviewed on May 25, 2022
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