{"id":39967,"date":"2023-10-20T23:17:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T21:17:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=39967"},"modified":"2026-02-18T05:55:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T04:55:32","slug":"sex-positions-for-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/sex-positions-for-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Intercourse Positions for Those with Back Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"lelo<\/a><\/p>\n

Our bodies, as miraculous as they are, are also complicated. There are so many things that they do for us on a daily basis, but with that comes the possibility of something feeling \u2018not right\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In conjunction with treating any ailments, it\u2019s also important to remember that <\/span>sexuality<\/span> and sex is a basic need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And for those who have their <\/span>libido<\/span>, yet are suffering with issues such as back pain, there is a way around it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sex and Back Pain<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Did you know that back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide? And sadly, a <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> showed that 37 percent of adults with lower back pain experienced difficulty during sex, and seven percent showed some difficulty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having said that, yes\u2014back pain can be an obstacle that prevents someone from having <\/span>satisfying sex<\/span>. And this may give them a negative view on how to navigate their sex life. But, when you implement certain strategies, there is a possibility to have fulfilling sexual encounters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, the main thing is to take it easy and not exert yourself. If any <\/span>pain<\/span> or discomfort is felt, it\u2019s advisable to stop, as it could worsen the condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But take note: what may work for one person may not work for another. Some may experience pain bending forward (flexion), and others may have difficulty bending backwards (extension intolerance).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, if you have back pain, it’s important to realize that a sexual encounter doesn\u2019t need to include intercourse.\u00a0 You can take turns pleasuring one another manually, orally, or with sex toys. On the other hand, if you want to include intercourse in your encounter, experimenting with <\/span>different positions<\/span><\/a> could bring about a huge amount of relief and happiness for those suffering with this type of body pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

And so, here are 6 intercourse positions that may ease or prevent back pain. Trying them could allow those living with back pain to have comfortable and pleasure-inducing <\/span>intimacy<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

6 Sex Positions to Try if You Have Back Pain<\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. The Missionary Sex Position<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"missionary<\/p>\n

Missionary could be a great sex position for those with lower back pain, such as degenerative disc disease or disk problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re on top, you could use your elbows to support your upper body, which could prove way less stressful than if you were to use your hands. If you\u2019re on the bottom, simply placing a rolled-up towel or a small pillow under your lower back can provide lower back support.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. The Doggy Style Sex Position<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re the giver of penetration during <\/span>doggy style<\/span><\/a>, it eliminates a lot of bending forward. You can also limit your back movement by using your hips as opposed to your back. This is why it may be invaluable for those who have pain when bending forward or for those who have trouble sitting down for long periods of time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re the receiving partner, you can use your elbows or hands to support your body. It could work like a charm, as it allows the person with back pain to adjust their back based on their comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. The Spooning Sex Position<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"spooning<\/p>\n

By lying on your side, it can reduce a lot of pressure on the back for those who have flexion-intolerant lower back pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two ways to practice this position. One could be if you and your partner face each other (even though this isn\u2019t technically the <\/span>spooning<\/span><\/a> position). In this position, it could ease discomfort for those who experience pain when they sit for long periods of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second way to practice this sex position is when partners face away from one another (the more apt description of the spoon position). Take note, however, if you experience pain when bending forward, this may not be the most suitable position for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. The Partner-On-Top Sex Position<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For those who find most movements painful, it may be invaluable to position yourself on your back, either lying down flat or sitting on a sturdy chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this way, your partner can <\/span>straddle<\/span><\/a> you and take the reins by engaging in more body movement than you\u2019re able to.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. The Face Down Sex Position<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"fork<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re suffering with back pain, you could position yourself on your stomach. This position is similar to doggy style except it doesn\u2019t involve arching the back at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, you could place a pillow under your chest or your pelvis for more comfort. This could also aid in your penetrating partner accessing your genitals more easily without flexing your spine too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. The Seated Sex Position<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re the receiver of <\/span>penetration<\/span>, sitting on your partner\u2019s lap could relieve you of pain during sex. This is because it\u2019ll give you more control over your back\u2019s position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Or, if you choose to be the seated partner, you can stabilize your back and minimize flexion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Tips for Better Sex with Back Pain\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While navigating your sex life with back pain, there are a few other things you can do to help relieve your discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n