Back pain killing your sex life? Study reveals best positions to save your spine

((I hope this doesn't violate T&C as it talks more about back pain issues than sex. If it does violate, I do apologize))

For the first time ever, scientists have successfully documented the way the spine moves during sex and discovered exactly why certain positions are better than others when it comes to avoiding back pain.

The pioneering study combined infrared and electromagnetic motion capture systems -- like those used in the creation of video games -- to track how 10 couples' spines moved when attempting five common sex positions. The findings were used to create an atlas, or set of guidelines, that recommends different sex positions and thrusting techniques based on what movements trigger a patient's pain.

"Before now, spooning was often recommended by physicians as the one position that fit all. But as we've discovered, that is not the case," said Natalie Sidorkewicz, a PhD candidate at Waterloo and lead author on the paper. "Sex positions that are suitable for one type of back pain aren't appropriate for another kind of pain."

The atlas recommends that men who are flexion-intolerant -- meaning those whose back pain is made worse by touching their toes or sitting for long periods of time, for example -- replace spooning with doggy-style sex. The guide recommends that these men use a hip-hinging motion rather than thrusting with their spines.

Back pain killing your sex life? Study reveals best positions to save your spine

I know some may find this subject taboo but this is not the 50's anymore. We need to keep moving forward, (thanks to Dr. Masters & Virginia Johnson) and continue to learn about the bodies different responses during sex & which positions can reduce pain for different people. (It's not always back pain one has to worry about.)

As someone who has back pain & endometriosis, I'm grateful that studies are still being done so that people like myself, who experience pain during sex, can still have a bit of a sex life. ((Which it is better to have a bit than none at all))

My fiance and I are watching the ShowCase tv show called: 'Masters of Sex'. It is based off of the biography called "Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love" by Thomas Maier's. It's interesting to watch because 50ish years ago, most women didn't want a female doctor. Pap tests weren't a regular thing & available across the country. Things were so different not that long ago and while yes there have been some major breakthroughs, there is still work to do. More advancements that can be made.

a reply to: Sabiduria

Hats off to you for a brave thread. SnF.

a reply to: lostbook

Even though it is a risky subject matter, it still is an important subject matter.

The study of sex is the beginning of all life. Yet we sit like prudish cavemen in the dark riddled with shame and guilt. -Dr. Masters

A scientific study to find the least painful position to have sex in determines "doggy style" is better than "spooning"??

You couldn't discover that without the assistance of the University of Waterloo?

I'm sure "cavemen in the dark" were fully aware of all it's advantages.

a reply to: Sabiduria
I think your thread doesn't violate T&C. Just don't post pics.

Marriage is killing my sex life. I don't have to worry about back pain.

Still and interesting read though.

a reply to: Sabiduria

great thread...i indeed have back pain during sex and have turned it down because of this...

i have like 2 ways I usually do it to avoid pain lol

Yes you are right.

Man has gone to the moon.

We have created the atomic bomb and we fly faster than the sounds on the wind and yet,

The study of our sexuality sends many ordinary folk running for the hills.

The remainder cover their guilt and discomfort by making endless jokes about it.

The religious tell us it is not to be enjoyed unless we follow their path of mostly abstinence.

As for the research done by Masters and Johnson .... yes ... good start I suppose but they only scratched the surface and the research is tainted to a degree by the very fact that the subject was taboo and so those people used as guinea pigs all had certain traits in common.

Your average church going mum would not be likely to participate.

P

originally posted by: rockpaperhammock
a reply to: Sabiduria

great thread...i indeed have back pain during sex and have turned it down because of this...

i have like 2 ways I usually do it to avoid pain lol

What are they, can you describe them in genteel terms? My husband has had lots of back surgery and problems and if you have found ways to avoid pain would you mind sharing? I think it can be done without pics and in terms that won't violate T&C

By the way, I'm your average church going grandmum

I have a bad back and I worked this out loooooooooooooooooooooong ago. lol
I'm not going anymore into than that for fear of
I can't afford no more warnings

a reply to: rockpaperhammock

I think if you go to the article on Science Daily, it will provide you with a link to the actually study. There might be more than two positions you can do.

a reply to: pheonix358

Tests have continued to happen since Dr. Masters & Johnson. I remember when I was teenager, watching a show that talked about the first study being done using a X-Ray during sex to show where the penis was in different positions and what that meant for both partners.

With all the tests that have been done, still with a lot more work to be done (after all, this study said they were the first to shed light on the mechanics of the male orgasm) it has allowed for doctors/specialists who can recommend less painful positions for people with endometriosis. Sure I know about lots of positions but the time it would take to figure out which positions worked, while suffering a lot of pain on ones that don't work, is not worth it. Instead, I turned to my gynecologist who already knew which positions would be less painful because of the studies that have been done.

Hopefully more studies will continue to be done on the subject of sex & people won't be so freaked out about the subject.

a reply to: Sabiduria

I hear you! (or read you as the case may be.)

As a counselor, I come across many problems simply because our society is so damn stupid the moment you mention the word sex. As a consequence, I came up with this.

We are at our worst when ...
The dictates of who we are as a species
Are in direct and fundamental opposition
To the dictates of the society we live in.

I always consider the animal self first before looking at the client's integration with societal norms.

Many problems start here and start early. It is just such a messed up world.

P

Pics or it didn't/doesn't/can't/won't happen..

I say *** the T&Cs but my back hurts so i don't know how yet.



But in all seriousness and viewed from experience chronic back pain is a bummer not only in bed.

a reply to: Psynic
Hey!

For many of the millions of world who suffer with back pain, trying to maintain a healthy sex life can be frustrating. A new study has some real answers to your questions about how to avoid exacerbating (or creating) back pain during sex. The Canadian study authors pointed out research into the best sex positions.

There are other ways to get rid off chronic pain that ruining the relationship.

[gratuitous link removed]

originally posted by: KellyEverson
a reply to: Psynic
Hey!

For many of the millions of world who suffer with back pain, trying to maintain a healthy sex life can be frustrating. A new study has some real answers to your questions about how to avoid exacerbating (or creating) back pain during sex. The Canadian study authors pointed out research into the best sex positions.

There are other ways to get rid off chronic pain that ruining the relationship.

[gratuitous

link removed]

My questions?

I don't have any questions.

If it hurts to be a missionary, try something else.

i could teach these Waterloo university teenagers plenty.

a reply to: Psynic
Like I said earlier, I know tons of positions that I could try so I'm not in as much pain but the problem with that is that I will have to endure a horrible pain if I pick wrong. Of course we stop but it kills the mood. My fiance feels bad for inflicting the pain. This usually causes us to go without sex for a long time because my fiance is afraid to hurt me again. Knowing which positions are ok before hand means that we avoid pain & don't have to worry about a dry spell.

originally posted by: Fylgje
I have a bad back and I worked this out loooooooooooooooooooooong ago. lol
I'm not going anymore into than that for fear of

I can't afford no more warnings

You and me both i got rid of my nympho girlfriend and live like a hermit problem solved and i get some sleep