COLLAPSE VERTEBRAE

My problem began April 4th when I was well into my taper for the VLM 2012 marathon. My lower back (lumbar) began to ache and got progressively worse (it still aches as I type up this thread)  I carried on training and ran the marathon in 5hrs 13mins.  Just had the results from my MRI scan. The good news is that the problem has been identified.  I have a ''Minor'' osteoporotic collapes fracture of the upper end plateof the L2 vertebrae. When I walk or jog, there isnt a problem.  Dispite my problem, no one has told me to stop training. Anyone out there suffered with the same problem? Was the problem due to over training? The doc hasnt told me how the problem will be cured. I'm training for next years London hoping to come out of this years ballot. I paid up front and donated my entry fee so I get 2 chances of coming out of the ballot. Thats it then. Look forward from hearing from anyone.

To the best of my knowledge Fred, I'm sorry to say that osteoporosis is not going to be curable. The bone weakens as it becomes porous (it'll look a bit like pumice stone rather than solid bone) which will be what has led to the collapse. I don't think they will tell you to stop training as weight bearing exercise is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from developing osteoporosis, and would most likely be recommended by the majority of the medical profession to slow or stop its progress. Calcium deficiency or something like that is a possible cause, it needn't be over-training. If your bone is weakened, it will be really important for you to maintain strong core muscles. Speak to your doctor about the best way to go with this, they might prefer you to see a physio, they might refer you to a local Pilates class or something like that.

Rob, Thanks so much for your reply.  My physio has told me to carry on with his exercises even though I have a collapsed vertebrae. My next visit to G.P is'nt for another week, but in the mean time, I will be using the gym. Your comments regarding weight bearing exercises and training has given me hope for the future. Thanks Rob.

Great news that you already have a physio - his / her exercises will be the right ones