# Backbend

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{{Short description|Complex movement}}
thumb|upright|Contortionist doing a backbend
A '''backbend''' is a [gymnastics](/source/gymnastics), [contortion](/source/contortion), [dance](/source/dance) and [ice skating](/source/ice_skating) move, where the [spine](/source/Vertebral_column) is bent backwards, and catching oneself with the hands. Throughout the move, the [abdominal muscles](/source/abdominal_muscles), [obliques](/source/Abdominal_external_oblique_muscle), and [legs](/source/legs) are used to steady the performer while curving backwards. [Modern yoga](/source/Modern_yoga) includes some backbending [asana](/source/asana)s. Backbending can be acquired from intense training or genetics.

== Overview ==

The spine consists of 24 [vertebra](/source/vertebra)e and between the vertebrae are small cushions referred to as disks. The movement of the vertebrae and the compression ability of the disks give the spine its flexibility.  

It is easier to perform a backbend after mastering a [bridge](/source/bridge_(exercise)).  A bridge helps familiarize the bones and muscles to the positions and movements of a backbend.

There are over a dozen yoga positions that are variant of the backbend.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/types/backbends |title=Backbends |journal=[Yoga Journal](/source/Yoga_Journal) |access-date=October 29, 2018}}</ref> A "rib thrust" is common and deleterious to a good yoga pose, and one of the more common of several errors associated with the backbend.<ref name="Schneider">{{cite news |title=Yoga Can Give You Strength, Balance, Flexibility. Isn't That Enough? |newspaper=[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post) |date=November 4, 2008 |first1=Howard |last1=Schneider |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19537537.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035448/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19537537.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 30, 2018  |access-date=October 29, 2018}}</ref>

==Uses==
The backbend is important in gymnastics because it is essential to perform a back [handspring](/source/handspring_(gymnastics)).

Backbends are part  of the [repertoire](/source/repertoire) of professional and competitive ice skaters. For example, a backbend was performed by [Jimmie Santee](/source/Jimmie_Santee) in the 1994 production of ''[Walt Disney's World on Ice: Aladdin](/source/Disney_on_Ice).'' Backbends and other contortions were a feature of the performance of Mr. Frick from the 1930s ice comedy act [Frick and Frack](/source/Frick_and_Frack).<ref name="Molter">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19940303&id=Wo9iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7XcNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1232,688541 |date=March 3, 1994 |newspaper=[Observer-Reporter](/source/Observer-Reporter) |first1=Dave |last1=Molter |title='Aladdin on Ice' Goes Down Nice |page=B6 |access-date=October 29, 2018}}</ref>
==Injuries==
When performed correctly, backbends can increase the range of motion of the spine. However, there is a significant risk of injury. These injuries include [low back pain](/source/low_back_pain), injuries to the [spinal discs](/source/Intervertebral_disc), [muscle spasms](/source/Spasm)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Krentzman|first=Rachel|date=2012-04-10|title=Safety Tips for Backbend Yoga Poses|url=https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/safety-tips-for-backbend-yoga-poses|access-date=2021-05-24|website=ACTIVE.com|language=en}}</ref> and [paralysis](/source/paralysis); In 2016, a 5-year-old girl from [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles) became paralysed after attempting a backbend that resulted in damage to numerous areas of her spine.<ref>{{Citation|title=Girl does backbend, ends up paralyzed - CNN Video|url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2016/03/15/girl-paralyzed-after-backbend-pkg.ktla|access-date=2021-05-24}}</ref>
==Backbending asanas==

[Modern yoga](/source/Modern_yoga) includes backbending [asana](/source/asana)s such as the kneeling [Kapotasana](/source/Kapotasana) and [Ustrasana](/source/Ustrasana), the inverted [Urdhva Dhanurasana](/source/Urdhva_Dhanurasana), and the sitting [Rajakapotasana](/source/Rajakapotasana). These are described as "strenuous"<ref name=Mehta>{{cite book |last=Mehta |first=Silva; Mehta, Mira; Mehta, Shyam |date=1990 |title=[Yoga: The Iyengar Way](/source/Yoga%3A_The_Iyengar_Way) |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |isbn=978-0-86318-420-8 |pages=133–144}}</ref> poses, and should be worked on gently by beginners or people with stiff backs to avoid injury.<ref name=Mehta/> The spine can be released after backbending asanas with twisting asanas such as [Marichyasana](/source/Marichyasana) and [Matsyendrasana](/source/Matsyendrasana), or by forward bends such as [Janusirsasana](/source/Janusirsasana), practised gently.<ref name=Mehta/>

== See also ==
* [Flexibility](/source/Flexibility_(anatomy))

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Category:Contortion
Category:Backbend asanas

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Backbend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backbend) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backbend?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.