Yes, it can - it is important to keep an even curve throughout the entire back though.
Sometimes people with back pain do not get the full motion, and overcompensate in one area.
An easy pose for starting out is called bridge:

• From laying on the ground, plant the soles of the feet near the hips.
• Press the shoulders into the ground, head and neck stay on the ground, and lift just the hips up.
• Press the hips up as high as you can.
• Extend the arms along the ground towards the feet, and clasp the hands.
  Stay there for a few breaths. It warms up the spine and the chest.

Also, after coming out of either backbend or bridge, draw the knees to the chest and rock back and forth a little, then sit up and take a forward fold. This counteracts the intense stretch and helps the spine relax.