it's not so much touch for me as the possibility that it'll get bent or manipulated. i've had doctors flare me up, of course. and my boyfriend steps on it sometimes...poor guy, it just happens.
yes, i can stretch it. i can do whatever i want as long as i'm not putting weight on it or twisting it. though, oddly, doing certain strenuous activities makes it send out brief, nervey lightning bolts--like when i cough really hard.