Q: My partner has lower back pain that can flare up after a gym work-out and, unfortunately, when we are getting sexy. He is constantly relying on strong pain relief pills and abstaining is not the way to go! Your advice please.
A: That’s a great question, sex and lower back pain is actually a very common condition. At my osteopathic clinic, back pain is the number one injury. Be assured there is light at the end of the tunnel. With correct diagnosis, controlled pain management and treatment including a multi-disciplinary approach, we can help both men and women to improve spinal health, ensuring you enjoy your love-life with little or no discomfort.
Facts about sex and back pain
Sex can be a taboo subject and most people are unsure how or who to approach to fix it. Crucially, the sooner you get a good diagnosis, which includes understanding the aggravating factors, the quicker you will recover and achieve sustained pain relief. Herniated discs, bulging discs, pinched nerves and sciatica can be debilitating, frustrating and can take a long recovery. By the way, many back injuries are lift and twist related and are covered by ACC.
Painkillers – are they good or bad?
The messages we tend to receive when we get hurt are for the ‘quick fix’. You are right to be concerned about long term use of pain-relief drugs to mask underlying problems. New Zealanders have quadrupled consumption of over-the-counter and prescription opioid painkillers such as codeine and morphine in a little over a decade. Furthermore, reading the side effects panel on the box of ‘pain relief’ from your chemist or supermarket should ring alarm bells. Other issues can include physical and psychological dependence. Painkillers are great as a lifeline to get you through a difficult time but preferably not long term. True recovery requires a balanced multipronged approach.
Diagnosis, solid scientific research and getting results
A recent ground-breaking study at the University of Waterloo, Canada, uses leading-edge digital technology and voluntary couples given specific positions and instructions. Lead researcher Natalie Sidorkewicz says: “Contrary to normal medical recommendations, spooning is not always the best sex position for men with a bad back. Spooning was thought to reduce nerve tension, disc bulges, and loads on the spine.” She says, “Our analysis of spine motion during intercourse shows that in fact, the recommended positions for men depend on what movements trigger their pain.” This is why we recommend individual assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Can osteopathic treatments work to relieve pain?
Recently a large randomised, controlled trial of over 400 patients published by the American Osteopathic Association confirmed that after six osteopathic treatments results were “significant with clinically relevant measures for recovery from chronic lower back pain.” This came on the heels of a 2014 meta-analysis by respected Cochrane Collaboration that found similar results of relief in both acute and chronic pain patients. And, of course, ACC covers osteopathic treatment.
Exercise and back pain
Les Mills head programme coach Karen Russell reports “the most common injuries are lower back, hip, knee and shoulder pain. Often this is caused by inadequate core strength, poor flexibility through the hamstrings, quadriceps and down your ‘IT band’. These conditions can be exacerbated by poor gym technique.”
Toolbox of solutions
Osteopathic therapy involves moving joints and releasing and balancing muscles as they join together through the length of the body. We will actually put our hands on the patient to feel if there are any asymmetries or restrictions in the tissues. If we find them we can use various techniques to correct that.
Be open to multidisciplinary approaches. We cross-refer you to our recommended specialists in the field. Clients respond well to this approach, where appropriate utilising the skills of physio-pilates, acupuncture, biomechanic trainer or correct foot support through podiatry.
Knowledge is power. We talk and demonstrate to our clients about specific body areas to increase self-awareness. It actually helps educate them on what certain symptoms in their body feel like, so they become able to spot a warning sign and correct positions, and divert pain or seek professional help. If appropriate, we can refer directly for ultrasound or x-ray for more in-depth diagnoses.
Exercise – Again, needs individual assessment, preferably with your sports mentor and a practitioner such as an osteopath with high-level anatomy knowledge to create safe routines for you – remember you only have one back!
Don’t be shy about coming forward, we can help, life is for living and loving!
(SARAH-JANE ATTIAS)
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only. If you have a specific health problem you should seek advise from an appropriate registered health care provider. Living Osteopathy is a Primary Health Care Provider registered with ACC and the OCNZ. Living Osteopathy does not accept any liability other than to its clients.
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