Effect of thoracic movement-mediated training on back pain and trunk range of motion in a patient with lower back pain

Abstract

[Purpose] We explored the effect of thoracic movement-mediated training (TMMT) on back pain and trunk range of motion (ROM) in a lower back pain (LBP) patient with lumbar flexion rotation syndrome. [Subject] A 55-year-old male LBP patient with lumbar flexion rotation syndrome. [Methods] The subject underwent TMMT, consisting of two thoracic stretching exercises and three thoracic muscle-strengthening exercises, supervised by a physical therapist. [Results] After training, trunk ROM increased and the visual analog scale (VAS) score of back pain decreased. [Conclusion] Therapists should consider substituting thoracic spine movements for lumbar spine movements to prevent excessive lumbar movement and pain in LBP patients with lumbar flexion rotation syndrome.