In backbends, be sure that your whole spine is taking the bend, not just one area. Asana practice should work every aspect of the physical body-the joints, hips, knees, ankles, muscles and nerves. Five minutes a day may be enough for someone who simply wants to manage their lower back. Proper sequencing of postures is vital in yoga therapy. Because the intention is to serve the needs of your body, you adapt the pose in a variety of ways, depending on constitutional needs, structural problems, time of day, season, etc.
Adaptation is the key.
There is not one way. In general, however, neutral, symmetrical stretching of primary muscle groups are preparation for larger movements and contractions of the muscles. In addition, a neutral forward bend should precede a movement of another type such as lateral or backward bends or twists. For example, in moving from a deep twist to a backbend, first do a forward bend. You can go progressively in one direction, says Gary, but if you are transitioning to a different direction, you need to first neutralize the muscle.