What do Charles “Huggy Bear” Huggins, Jack “The Hammer” Szostak, and Frederick “The Fredster” Banting all have in common? Besides being Canadian and having goofy nicknames, which we totally made up, they all won the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

If it were up to us, a team at the University of Waterloo would have claimed the 2014 award for its groundbreaking research on the best sexual positions for relieving lower back pain.

Can back pain affect sex? You bet it can! According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), one-third of Canadians report that back pain affects their daily work and life. Studies show that most people with back problems have less sex because spinal movement during thrusting, arching, or supporting their weight can cause or worsen the pain.

From Albania to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between, most guys will get behind anything that helps them have more and better sex. Important fact: not all back pains are created equal. What might work for one guy, might not work for the next.

Doggy style

This timeless classic sex position can be more comfortable for guys who have back pain from sitting for extended periods or touching their toes. The Canadian researchers recommend that men with back pain use a hip-hinging motion rather than thrusting with your spine. Meanwhile, those on the receiving end can reduce pain by using their hands instead of their forearms for support. Are we having fun yet?

Spooning

Spooning sex position to relieve back pain

Spooning can be ideal for guys who feel pain when arching their backs. No pain, big-time gains!

Missionary

Missionary sex position to relieve back pain

Hasta la vista, back-arching pain. This position works best for people who have back pain while arching or leaning backwards. Being on the bottom of this position is the best spot for sore backs. You can also further support your lower back by placing a rolled towel under it. This cushion helps keep a slight arch in your back.

If you’re on top, use your elbows instead of your hands to hold you up.

Side-by-side

Side by side sex position to relieve back pain

This can be a go-to for people who find sitting painful for long periods. If you feel pain when arching your back, you may not want to give this face-to-face move a go.

More back-friendly bedroom tips

Along with picking the choosing the right position, there are plenty of other things you can do to nix lower back pain during sex:

  • Move your hips and knees instead of your spine, just like safe lifting.
  • Make slight adjustments to your posture or your partner while having sex.
  • Go for a hot soak in the tub or a hot shower before getting it on. This can help relieve tense muscles and help you relax.
  • Roll out your butt, leg, and back muscles with a high-density foam roller with moulded edges. Working the kinks out of surrounding muscles can relax your tender spots. Don’t overdo it if you’re new to the roller; build it up over time.
  • Apply a back pain cream to your back—but NEVER you-know-where—before the fun begins. Just be careful not to hurt yourself, as the cream’s numbing effect can mask an injury.
  • Tell your partner about your back pain and how it affects your ability to have or enjoy sex. It takes (at least) two to tango, and there’s no “I” in “team”…or in sex for that matter!

Have you found something that helps with back pain beyond the boudoir? Share the scoop with in the comments below!

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