Which contraindicated exercise is commonly associated with a yoga backbend position?

• A. Back bend
• B. The plow
• C. Deep squat
• D. Hurdler's stretch

Answer: (A)

Safety considerations when performing backbend positions in yoga involve understanding how spinal extension can aggravate existing back problems. Back bends place more load on the spine, stressing the discs and facet joints and potentially irritating nerves if there’s a history of injury, osteoporosis, or conditions like spondylolisthesis or stenosis. Because of this, the back bend is commonly contraindicated for people with those issues and is often approached with careful modification or avoided in rehab contexts.

The other options have their own risks, but they aren’t as closely tied to the idea of a backbend being contraindicated. The plow involves extreme neck and shoulder positions, which carry their own hazards; the deep squat is primarily a hip-knee load issue; the hurdler’s stretch targets the hamstrings and hips and can stress the lower back if done with poor form.