Hi Jennifer,
Does your cautionary note about the possibility that steroid injections could make my osteoporosis worse apply to injections other than epidurals? My doctor tells me that it's not an epidural and he doesn't have the time to talk to me about the risks. I appreciate your advice about the importance of asking about them. It looks like I won't be fully briefed until I"m called by the hospital for my injection appointment. Was your mother's osteoporosis affected?

One of my concerns about being pain free due to the injections, is that I would no longer be able to monitor or be aware of how my condition is improving or deteriorating.

Re the McGill method: I'm reading McGill's book, Back Mechanic, and taking one on one classes with a certified McGill practioner. She is working with me on maintaining the basic neutral spine posture throughout daily activities such as standing, sitting, washing dishes, cooking, as well as all the postures we live with throughout daily life. The purpose of maintaining a neutral spine is to maintain a healthy alignment of the spine that doesn't aggravate pain or put pressure on the back.

There are three basic exercises to be practiced every day. Their purpose is to strengthen the core. They are bird dog, side plank, and curl up.

Progress is slow because some new movement patterns need to be relearned and practiced. In the McGill practice, movement originates in the hips and not in the spine so that when bending, sitting, squatting, or standing, one initiates these movement and others from the hips.

There's also a lot of information about traditional postures, such as some yoga postures that are counter-productive for those of us with back pain.

Although progress is slow, I feel stronger inside and out. And I'm hopeful that the McGill practices will help me navigate through my back issues, and possibly mitigate, manage them, and contribute to a healthier and (dare I say), a pain free back.