Who should not do Cobra Pose?

People with specific medical conditions, injuries, or physical states should avoid or modify Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), a backbend performed while lying face-down:

• Pregnant women: Pressure on the abdomen and the intense back extension are unsafe during pregnancy.
• Individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis or sciatica: The backward bend compresses the lower vertebrae and narrows nerve pathways, which can worsen nerve pain or radiating leg pain.
• People with acute herniated or bulging discs: Full backbending can increase disc compression and inflammation during a flare-up.
• Recent abdominal surgery or active hernias: Pressure against the floor and engagement of the core/abdomen can strain healing tissues or surgical sites (such as C-sections).
• Wrist or hand injuries / carpal tunnel syndrome: Pushing up with the hands places direct body weight and extension stress on the wrists.
• Neck injuries or severe cervical tension: Looking too far up or dropping the head back creates sharp stress in the neck.
• Rib or wrist fractures: The pose requires lying flat on the stomach and bearing weight through the upper body and arms.
• Spondylitis or severe spinal conditions: Deep spinal extensions can aggravate arthritic or inflamed joints in the spine.

Note: If you have mild back stiffness or minor limitations, you can often substitute a gentler variation like Low Cobra (keeping the lower ribs on the floor with bent elbows) or Sphinx Pose on your forearms.