Stretching Can Increase Your Tolerance for Pain

The discomfort caused by stretching may trigger a reaction that reduces back pain, research suggests

Stetching can induce hypoalgesia, a decreased sensitivity to painful stimuli. Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

To stretch or not to stretch?

Should you do it before or after exercise? Does it prevent or heal injuries? Stretching is always a hot topic. However, while it’s effective in improving flexibility, its usefulness in reducing pain is being questioned.