Similar to the yoga pose called the Cobra, this gentle back extension exercise lengthens the spine and helps to counter an excessive curvature condition of the upper back known as kyphosis.
The back extension move is generally good for people with herniated disks, bulging disks and/or degenerative disk disease, but is probably not a good idea for those with facet joint problems, such as spondylolysis and other conditions.
Source:
Hage, M. (2005). The Back Pain Book. Atlanta, Ga. Peachtree Publishers.
