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Chronically Sexy: heavy machinery (or, good vibes even with chronic hand pain)

Welcome to the inaugural Chronically Sexy, our new column in which the fabulous and knowledgable Searah Deysach answers your questions about sex and sensuality for ChronicBabes. As always, we remind you that our articles are meant to help you start your own research and should not be considered medical advice. Do your homework, Babes!

This month, a reader asks:

"I have chronic hand pain (from repetitive stress injury), and I've been told not to use heavy machinery for any amount of time because the vibrations could exacerbate my pain. But I love to use vibrators, and the results actually help me relax - and manage my pain better. Is there any chance I'm hurting my hands with the vibrations? Maybe it's just an urban myth, and I feel a little silly asking, but better safe than sorry, right?"

Searah answers:

While there are some pretty freakin' big vibrators out there, I am sure none of them qualify as "heavy machinery"... at least not in the way your doc was speaking of. Of all the research I have done on the subject of vibrators I have never come across anything to indicate that they can harm your hand, even if you have chronic pain.

Personally, I have suffered chronic hand and wrist pain for the last 10+ years and have found vibrators to be nothing but a joy. And I use them A LOT. The vibrations that most personal vibrators transmit are relatively mild in comparison to almost any other kind of machinery out there. Some, like the Hitachi Magic Wand, are super-powerful and relatively heavy (1 lb. 9 oz.), but most vibes weigh just a few ounces, and I even find that the mild vibrations relax my sometimes-cramped hand.

If you have pain in your hand/wrist from repetitive stress (or whatever) you may find that sexually pleasuring yourself or you partner can actually make the pain worse (it can be a lot of work to whack someone off). Vibrators are an amazing way to make stimulation of your good parts much easier on your body and there are some vibes out there that are great for people who have hand issues.

Some fit right on your finger tip so you don't even have to hold on to anything. (For example, the Fukuoko, the Fiona or the Ida.) They also make vibes that you can wear on your hips so the vibe is positioned right over your clitoris, again, leaving you nothing to worry about holding on to. (We like the Passion Flower or the Teacher's Pet.) Some are ergonomically shaped so reaching your sweet spot is easier and you don't have to grip quite as hard. (Check out the Perfect Touch or Tula.)

Of course, if you find that after using your vibe, you hand hurts more, then maybe you have to re-examine the type of vibe you are using, and maybe even try a different one. We should also realize that it is natural to really tense up our bodies right before orgasm, and this can exasperate any pain that we have in our hands (if we are using our hands).

Pay attention to what is happening in your body when you climax and remember to breath and relax into your orgasm. Sex should be something that brings you pleasure, not pain (unless that is your game I guess) and as long as you are enjoying it and it feels good, go for it!

Have a question for Searah?

Send us your questions, and Searah will take her best shot. You can ask questions anonymously and we promise not to share all your identifying details with readers - just your first name, and your chronic(s). (Only Jenni the Editrix and Searah will see your e-mail messages.)

When you write us, please include:

your first name
your chronic conditions
a brief description of your issue and question
what you would like to know (i.e. - a helpful trick? a web site suggestion? a toy? a book? a new position?)
any additional history that might be helpful

We can't guarantee to answer every question we receive, but we'll do our best. If we decide to answer yours, we'll let you know by e-mail before the answer is posted.

Posted: 7/10/2006 in Chronically Sexy

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Chronically Sexy: heavy machinery (or, good vibes even with chronic hand pain)

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