This case study involved the non-surgical treatment of a 33-year-old male patient with straight back syndrome (lack of normal curve of the spine) using spinal traction and postural correction. After 16 weeks, the patient experienced a ten-degree improvement in thoracic spine curvature, a reduction in back pain, improved breathing, and a greater than two liter increase in lung capacity. The authors note this case study illustrates that non-surgical improvement of thoracic curvature is possible and can positively influence lung capacity, health, and function.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science, November 2017