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.