Exercise Program for Thoracolumbar Strain with Mild Levoscoliosis

Core Stabilization Exercises

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a comprehensive program emphasizing core stabilization exercises, flexibility training, and progressive resistance training for thoracolumbar strain with mild levoscoliosis 1, 2, 3
Core muscle strengthening is the foundation of treatment for thoracolumbar strain, targeting the back, abdomen, and weight-bearing muscles 1, 2
Abdominal curls should be performed 1 set of 10 repetitions every other day, progressing to 15 repetitions as tolerated 2
Back extensions should be performed 1 set of 10 repetitions every other day, alternating with abdominal work 2

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends starting with low resistance (40-60% of one repetition maximum) and progressing as strength improves 1, 3
Repetitions should start with 10-15 repetitions if previously sedentary, progressing as strength improves 1, 3
Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion should target 12-15 for resistance training 2, 3
Rest periods should be 2-3 minutes between sets 3

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends flexibility exercises 2-3 times weekly, addressing thoracic mobility, posture, and muscle tightness that contribute to thoracolumbar strain 1, 2, 4
Static stretching protocol should include 3-4 repetitions for each stretch, holding for 10-30 seconds per static stretch 1, 2, 3
Target muscle groups for stretching should include back muscles, hamstrings, gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon, chest muscles, and major muscle groups 2, 3, 4

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends starting with 2-3 repetitions and gradually working up to 10-12 repetitions per set if pain is significant 3
Progression should occur when 15 low-intensity repetitions feel "somewhat difficult" (Borg RPE 12-14), increasing weight for the next session 1

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends continuing exercises for at least 3 months to obtain optimal benefits and maintaining long-term adherence to maintain benefits 3

Exercise should be discontinued immediately if unusual or persistent fatigue develops, increased weakness or decreased range of motion occurs, joint swelling or pain lasts more than one hour after exercise, upper body discomfort occurs during exercise, or faintness or shortness of breath doesn't resolve within 5 minutes of stopping 3

Vigorous, repetitive exercises should be avoided during acute pain flare-ups, and progression should not be too rapid to reduce injury risk 3
Proper technique should be maintained to avoid exacerbating thoracolumbar strain 1
Postural abnormalities such as thoracic kyphosis, shoulder protraction, and trunk flexion should be addressed to alter breathing mechanics and increase back pain 4

Postural training may increase vital capacity and reduce work of breathing by improving thoracic mobility and posture 4
Addressing common postural impairments including thoracic kyphosis, increased anterior-posterior chest diameter, and shoulder elevation may also be beneficial 4