Does Stretching Cause Arthritis?

Contortion is an awkward form of physical display that involves twisting and bending your body to form interesting positions. Contortionists have natural, or trained flexibility. Most contortionists are categorized as being front benders, or back benders. Some of the 'positions' easily associated with front/back bending are:

Front Bending:
A form of bending forward at the waist, legs straight, or also with one or both legs behind the neck or shoulders with the knees bent.

Back Bending:
Forming an upside down horseshoe form, or touching your feet by bending backwards.

Enterology: is the art of squeezing ones self into a small box or other container which appears to be much too small for any person to fit into.

It is commonly thought that women are much more known to be contortionists compared to men. This is not true. Throughout various areas around the world, pictures of contortionists show about an equal number of males and females. Our society usually associates women to have more flexibility, though a medical study has shown that the trait of unusual flexibility runs in the family.

Can stretching too much cause arthritis?

Stretching is good for our bodies, for everyone. It is the extent to which we stretch that is bad for us. We do not need to stretch too far, or push ourselves too much, but healthy stretching is good for our bodies. Stretching your body in an unnatural way will put your body at risk. The burning sensation that we begin to feel when we push ourselves to the farthest point of stretching. The feeling of burning, or tingling feeling means that something will tear if the person does not stop. This over compulsive stretching can contribute to loose, stretched tissue.

So the answer to this question is, yes. It does not only cause arthritis, but also increases the chance of injuries.