We already know what happens during sex when it comes to feel-good hormones. In addition to serotonin and dopamine, your body releases endorphins, when you have an orgasm. In fact, endorphins are also present before an orgasm when you’re sexually aroused. Endorphins are your body’s inherent analgesic chemicals. They work by blocking the nerve cells that receive pain signals from your body. 

According to sex therapist Marty Klein, sex can be great for your muscles if you have osteoarthritis (per AARP). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, and loss of flexibility, joint pain, and soft tissue inflammation are some of the symptoms. “Sex involves gentle, range-of-motion exercise, which minimizes pain and inflammation. It also releases endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers,” shared Klein. “Sex strengthens the muscles around the joints, which helps support them[… and is] mood-elevating, which likewise helps alleviate pain.”

That being said, if muscle pain is already a factor and you’re experiencing discomfort in your back, neck, or shoulders, you may want to pay attention to your sex positions before getting intimate with your partner. Back pain might require having a neutral back position like missionary, shoulder pain might mean having sex in a way where you’re not putting stress on your hands, and neck pain may necessitate spooning or another comfortable position for your neck.