Final answer:
The tension along the spine is caused by bad posture when extending the back past the back of a chair.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tension along your spine when you extend your back past the back of a chair is caused by bad posture.
In this position, your upper body's center of gravity moves in front of the pivot point in your hips, creating a clockwise torque that is counteracted by muscles in your lower back. These muscles have to exert large forces, which can lead to back strain.
Good posture, on the other hand, ensures that your center of gravity is directly above the pivot point in your hips, reducing the strain on your back.