Method of Salaah

Keeping the back stright in ruku'

Q: Sometimes in rukoo' I do the thikr and then I straighten myself a bit and hear a crack, so does that mean my back only became straight when it cracked? If so do I do the thikr again? Must the back in sujood rukoo sitting and standing always be straight or at ease straight? Is the neck or head considered in this?

Sitting and performing Fardh and Waajib Salaah without a valid excuse

Q: If a person prays a fardh or waajib  prayer sitting down, without a valid excuse, is his prayer considered invalid? I recently heard from a Mufti that the prayer itself would be valid, since he did not miss a fardh element of prayer by sitting down (and not standing). What is the position of the Hanafi madhab in this regard?