Exercise with vertebral fracture?

[67Varieties]

Hi All,

The Dexa scan in April 2024 was only reported in late Sept. Thoracic fracture shown, which wasn't there a couple of years ago and neck of femur also showing clear osteoporosis.

I had been playing badminton weekly and also digging heavy, clay soil in a largish overgrown allotment I got in Jan this year. Stupidly, I assumed the increased thoracic pain was just an extension of long standing lumbar back pain due to the increased exercise, and that it would get better as I got fitter!

I'm still keen to lose weight and get fitter, but scared to do more damage. I'm getting conflicting advice on the badminton, though the digging seems to be a no-no.

I've got another dental appt in a week, where they will advise if I'm OK to start Alendronate.

Any advice?

Thanks.

[Freshair24]

Hi, I know what it's like with conflicting info ! As I understand it for me .. I had a thoracic fracture T10 seen on dexa scan January 24 ,it was news to me .

The advice to me for activities, by GP carry on as normal. But I am a gardener by trade and have an alloment,I also do pilates.

I now consider the load if lifting and always engage my core and bend knees .If digging don't dig for long ,don't dig and twist with lead., small loads of everything and ask for help. My allotment is now no dig, so mainly hoping and adding mulch with help... its worked .

Pilates with alternative movements, no sit ups . Just try and adapt what you want to do, not sure re badminton but am sure you can discuss that one .

The Dentist is just to check if you need any major work done prior to starting the alendronic s , dentists for me are very negative about the osteoporosis drugs .. but the side affects haven't been s problem for me ,I took it for 5 yrs .

Hope this helps, it's a lot to wade through when you get these diagnosisis ,good luck for finding out all you need .

I had the fracture prevention service nurse as well available for a telephone call,they gave me time to answer my questions.

[HampshireELM]

Hi 67Varieties.

It's worth looking up Margaret Martin's Melio guide. You can sign up to some emails or watch some of her videos on YouTube. She also has a good book which is very useful. She advises what exercises to do and not to do for various categories depending on your activity level and whether you have fractures.

I saw a private physio for advice. I was advised against doing things like racket sports due to the fractures. This was because the movements can be "jerky" (can't think of a better word right now!) and may cause extra issues.

[Haz58 in reply to HampshireELM]

I agree on racket sports as you tend to 'twist' a lot plus the force of hitting a ball. I had a T9 compression fracture and am still told no heavy lifting, over 20kg I think they said. No sit ups, no twisting movements. And no bending over to pick things up. Mind you I'm 66 and not as fit as I was due to RA and osteoarthritis. But I do know care in movements are needed.

[tangocharlie]

Lots of advice on the ROS site if you look under 'Living with fractures. Don't do things that risk breaking another bone like twisting. The Margaret Martin advice is on the same lines and her videos show you how to exercise safely, do's and don'ts

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi 67Varieties ,

Welcome to our community, thank you so much for joining us here Feeling a little cautious about exercise as you mentioned is really understandable, especially considering your experience! We can see you've already connected with some of our wonderful members and hope this can continue as you carry on your health journey.

We also wanted to let you know that we have some information about exercise on our website you may want to have a look at, including some videos: theros.org.uk/information-a...

Wishing you the very best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator