An all-too-common hallmark of life in a human body after 25: back pain. Despite stretches and regular workouts, CBD rubs or expert-recommended products meant to give your sore back some relief, it’s estimated that something like 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). And, it’s understandable that this pain (like any other pain) might interfere with physical activities — whether it’s working out, carrying groceries or even sex. 

So if you’ve been experiencing back pain and it’s starting to interfere with your sex life, you might be looking for some sex positions that will still be comfortable for you and your partner. Your first order of business should be to stop and change positions if you experience anything that doesn’t feel good (don’t play through the pain, in sex! It’s not worth it!) and, if you’re continually experiencing back pain in intercourse, check in with your doctor and ask them what they’d recommend. It might feel embarrassing, but medical professionals have undoubtedly heard it all before and only want to keep you (and/or your partner(s)) from hurting more. 

Your next step is to talk with your partner and feel out what positions best suit your individual needs. 

“Understandably, the limitations brought about by back pain may produce stress that can damage a relationship. The person who doesn’t have the pain often finds it difficult to understand what his or her partner is experiencing. The negative effects that pain has been causing in a couple’s sex life can sometimes spill over into other aspects of the relationship,” according to Robert Duvall, DPT for Spine-Health. “Good communication is critical. Otherwise, one partner may mistakenly interpret a reluctance to engage in sexual activity as an excuse for not wanting to be close, which can lead to feelings of rejection and resentment.”

Otherwise, if you and your partner are looking to find the right positions for your bodies and their unique aches and pains, here are a few positions that might be the right fit.

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