Love is in the air and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, many of us are inspired (and excited) to add some new sexual positions to our sexual repertoire. Before you go out and sprain a penis, pull a labial muscle (kidding!) or just injure yourself rolling out of bed, we have invited Toronto Chiropractor Dr. Adrian Cohen to share some insights to keep you safe. We care about you & keeping your genitals/body parts in good shape!
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Thanks Dr. Cohen! We appreciate you.
SexWithDrJess (SWDJ): Can you anonymously share any sexual escapades that resulted in a visit to your Chiropractic Clinic?
Dr. Adrian Cohen (Dr. Cohen): I’ve seen two unique injuries arise from sexual activity:
Jaw Popped Out of Socket: This was an impact injury (which caused the jaw to pop out of socket and then back in) due to an over enthusiastic recipient. Successful treatment consisted of cold laser therapy, acupuncture, and ice: lots of it.
It’s important to remember that safety should always come first. Certain positions and activities can place stress on the body, leading to pain and discomfort.
SWDJ: Are there more common sex-related injuries that you see regularly?
Dr. Cohen: Some common sex-related injuries that can present to a chiropractor (and a handful or tips to help you avoid injury) while turning up the romance this Valentine’s Day are as follows:
- Pelvic Misalignment: During intercourse certain positions can cause the pelvis to shift out of alignment, particularly if one partner has previous injuries or muscle imbalances.
- Low back pain: This can be caused by awkward positioning or overexertion during intercourse, especially if one partner is significantly taller or heavier than the other.
- Neck pain: This can be caused by prolonged and/or intense activity, particularly when one partner is on top of the other.
- Headaches: Tension headaches, particularly in the neck and occipital area, can be caused by awkward positioning or tension in the neck and shoulders during sexual activity.
- Groin or pelvic pain: This can be caused by straining or overuse of the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic area during intercourse.
SWDJ: Seems like things can physically go ‘wrong’, quickly. Do you have any suggested safety tips?
Dr. Cohen: 5 Safety Tips:
- Be proactive: Getting assessed by a chiropractor before physical activity (e.g. playing sports, running, working out in the gym or in bed) to catch problems before they ruin the moment.
- Warm-up: Ideally for at least 5 minutes and stretch. Raising body temperature (ie. brisk walk, jump rope, elliptical/treadmill) will increase flexibility and decreased chances of injury from being too stiff (pardon the pun)!
- Communicate: Ensure your partner(s) know all your physical capabilities and that your limitations are clear.
- Start off slow: Rushing can lead to overexertion and injury. Don’t go from zero to hero!
- Try different low impact positions: find out what feels comfortable and safe for you. There’s no need to act like a pornstar or WWE wrestler!
Ultimately, be mindful of any physical limitations or injury risks. If you or your partner(s) have any previous physical injuries or health conditions, it’s important to take that into consideration.
Finally, make sure to get a full body check up at your nearest chiropractic clinic. Athletes across all skill levels utilize chiropractic care for injury prevention and performance optimization, so why can’t you?
SWDJ: Where can people find you and your clinic?