Fractured vertebrae

[Laterider21958]

Recently found out that I have managed to fracture T7 & T8 vertebrae. I think this occurred while digging out and removing about 20 wheelbarrow loads of old lawn and soil. At the time I thought that I was being "wussie" about muscle soreness. Physio is concerned that it may be a sign of Osteoporosis as the X-ray report indicated more than 20% fracture. It'll take 6 - 8 weeks of healing and in the meantime I've been given strengthening exercises to do. He gave me some literature regarding maintaining bone, which included info on calcium intake, so I've upped the calcium tablets. Fortunately bike riding isn't being discouraged - thank goodness!

I'm taking things easy at the moment and am trying to maintain a good posture and to use my stomach muscles before bending and lifting. By the end of the day I tire and tend to slouch a little. The physio applied two wide strips of tape to my back and this is supposed to be a reminder to keep my shoulders down and back. It's amazing how often I find I'm walking around with my shoulders up instead of down.

So girls (& boys) make sure you use your muscles and not your back to take the strain when doing heavy work - or even the normal day to day stuff.

[jobob]

Oooh we can compare xrays. I was told my T7 resembles a bottle opener.

Seriously, sorry to hear about your injury. I hope you heal up well.

[cylegoddess]

Ive got tendinitis, and I had to be taped up myself. Wierd isnt it?!

Its sooo damn hard to train myself out of slouching. I finally gave up and got a proper strength training program, to retrain and boost all those muscles I neglected.

[Bike Chick]

Sorry to hear that Laterider. How awful! I hope you heal quickly.

Remember to take your calcium too ladies (if you are "that age") and do weight bearing exercise like walking, running or weights that will increase your bone density.

I have osteopenia and don't want to take a fall on the bike and break a hip

[badger]

very good reminder that prevention is best! sorry to hear you're in pain, though.

Just out of curiosity, where exactly do you put the tape? I've been wanting something like that to remind me to have a better posture. I slouch oh-so-badly!

[tulip]

Owie! I hope you get relief soon!

For those of you who are concerned about this, start doing Pilates or other core strengthening work NOW. It is never too early, or too late. Many people have falls when they get old because they've lost the strength in their cores to hold themselves up.

Also, calcium is important throughout life, not just when you realize you don't have enough.

Take care, everybody!