Are Tight Hamstrings Really the Problem?

Take a moment to sit on the ground with your legs extended. Slowly reach forward to touch your toes by flexing your spine and lowering your head to your knees. In this position, you should feel a stretch along the back of your legs. Tight hamstrings right? Not so fast. This tightness could be your nerves being stretched to their limit. This prevents your muscles from stretching any further before damage sets in. The nervous system consists of an interconnected highway that originates in the brain. Healthy nerves require regular movement to stay lubricated and mobile. When nerves become trapped or compressed, especially for prolonged periods, they become immobile, tight, and more likely to become injured. During periods of immobility, the brain sends pins and needles to the neglected neural area. This signal lets you know that one of its’ nerves is agitated. This response is commonly seen when your foot falls asleep after sitting in one position for a period of time. Fortunately, your brain sends these signals before any real danger exists.

What Happens When You Stretch?
Stretching places tension on more than the muscles. For example, when stretching your hamstring muscles, you are also placing tension on the hip joint, the sciatic nerve, and other posterior ligaments.  While you may be stretching the hamstrings, if the nervous system is over-active, you may be exciting a defensive muscle spasm from your brain. Similar to when your leg falls asleep, the nerves send a protective signal against aggressive stretching. Trying to push past this neural response may damage your nerves and cause increased pain and soreness afterward. It is important to realize that the sensation of tightness does not mean that the muscles are short, but a nerve, joint, or soft tissue may be the issue.
 
So Should You Stop Stretching?
No way! If you enjoy stretching or yoga, we absolutely recommend it. However, a proper (nerve mobility) warm up will go a long way in lubricating the nerves before more dynamic stretches. Sliding exercises warm-up the nervous system which minimizes the potential for a a localized inflammatory response. Similar to flossing your teeth, sliding exercises allows for excursion of a nerve. They are great for loosening the nerve and are less aggressive than stretching. Check out the video to learn how to lubricate your nervous system prior to more aggressive stretching. 

The Perfect Nerve Warm-up 

When it comes to stretching, you cannot follow the no pain, no gain mentality. Start with slow, gentle movements and prime the nervous system before aggressive stretching.  Motion is lotion for your nerves. They require movement to stay healthy and receive adequate blood flow and nutrients. In the words Todd Hargrove, “If you mobilize a nerve (without injuring it) it will increase circulation and get healthier because the movement may help squeeze out local inflammation. If you move a nerve pain free, it will be easier to do in the future.” 

If you consistently feel 'tight' despite regular stretching, contact Heafner Health to see if your nervous system is over-active! 

References:
Hargrove, Todd. "BETTER MOVEMENT." Nerve Mechanics Part II. Better Movement, 2 Feb. 2009. Web. 25 June 2014.