First things first: if you have neck issues, this pose is not for you. You may enjoy lying in savasana, or final resting pose instead.
If your neck is healthy and you want to relieve tightness in your back, this pose will feel wonderful. Lift your chest only as high as feels comfortable for you; some people do not enjoy the sensation of letting the head hang back. Focus on lifting your heart up. You can add an intense throat and chin stretch by pulling your lower teeth and jaw up over the upper teeth. (This will look strange but feel nice.) Come down by lowering your body slowly and gradually.
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