Get Busy in the Bedroom without Back Pain

Let’s face it—when you get to a certain age, your libido might be saying “Yes, yes!” but for some of us (though we might not want to admit it) our back and knees might be saying, “No, no!” If getting busy in the bedroom makes you think, "Ouch!" read on for these tips from Renee Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., founder of the Center for Sexual Wellness and Joan Price, author of Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud about Senior Sex.
 
1. Prep and plan
“Spontaneity is vastly overrated when it comes to sex,” says Price. Make a “date” for sex so you can both anticipate it, which decreases the stress, says Price. Turn off the ringer, the computer, and all other gadgets so you can truly enjoy each other. (And though it might sound unromantic, if you use anti-inflammatory medication, time your dose so that it kicks in right before “date time”—it can make all the difference.) One thing to build into your daily lifestyle: Get some physical exercise (dance, walk, bike riding, yoga…), which helps strengthen muscles and joints.
 
2. Grab a pillow
So easy and super helpful. Placing pillows underneath your knees will relieve pressure on your spine. It may also help to place them under your head and neck or anywhere you need support. If you are on your back, slide a pillow under your bottom to elevate your lower body and take pressure off of your lower back. Price suggests checking out the Wedge pillow, which can help make positions more comfortable.  

3. Try new things
“There isn’t one position that will be perfect for all,” says Dr. Horowitz, “experimenting with different positions is half the fun.”

• For back pain: The woman can be on her stomach with a pillow under her chest to take pressure off the back. Making love side by side can also relieve pain.
• For knees and wrists: “The spoon position, where the woman’s back is to the man, is comfortable position and very intimate,” says Dr. Horowitz. Another goodie is for the man to sit with his legs slightly straddled with his partner sitting facing him with her legs around his hips, Dr. Horowitz adds. It requires a mild degree of flexibility but it takes pressure off of the knees and wrists.
• For hip pain: Lie on your back or the side that doesn’t bother you. You don't want to rotate the legs outward. The spooning position will alleviate pressure or pain on the hip. “It’s all a matter of trial and negotiation,” says Dr. Horowitz. “Creativity and laughter help, too!”