A new study by Canadian researchers brings all sorts of good news with a research that documents the way your spine moves during sex and the uncovers the best positions to avoid back pain.
Here’s the first bit of cheery info: Doggy style is the best position for your back. We’re not making this up. We swear. Doggy style or sex from behind, with the female on her knees, supporting herself with her elbows, demands the least about of stress on your back because it requires more hinging at the hips.
More good news: Missionary position is the second-best position for your back, according to the study. OK, missionary isn’t the most adventurous sexual position, but if you’re not thumbing through the principles of the Kama Sutra, doggy style and missionary might be your go-to moves. Missionary allows your spine to remain mostly neutral.
Now here’s a warning: “The study found that contrary to normal medical recommendations, spooning is not always the best sex position for men with a bad back,” said lead researcher Natalie Sidorkewicz. “Spooning used to be recommended by physicians for anyone with back pain because it was thought to reduce nerve tension, disco bulges, and loads on spine.” In fact, spooning puts stress on the spine and it’s more difficult to rely on your hips for thrusting.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada conducted their research on five male-and-female couples and results are published in the Spine Journal. The scientists used infrared and electromagnetic motion capture systems to study movement patterns.
