Rides for those with back problems...

[MissBritt]

My husband has a bad back (1 year out from spinal surgery today, still many problems). I know there are several rides he should avoid. I searched for "back problems" on WDW's site, and got a list of those that may be problematic. Any thoughts on how valid this list is?

(As we are going in December, I left off the "wet" rides. As it is, I don't think he can handle Pirates anymore, but he says there is no way he is missing it. If any are worse than that, they should make my list of those to avoid.)

DHS-
Star Tours (?)
ToT and RnR are obviously out.

AK-
Dinosaur
Primeaval Whirl
Expedition Everest

EP-
Mission Space
Test Track

MK-
All Mountains are out.
Astro Orbiter
Pirates is about as extreme as we go.

[baloo512]

Yes, you have most of the ones to avoid. My husband had 3 back surgeries and had a fusion done this past July. He did ride test track before but knows after the fusion it is a definite no-no. He has done Splash Mountain at MK with no problems and has said he doesn't know if he will do the Safari at AK this year- can be a bit bumpy but the list pretty well covers most of what you might not want to do.

[kwitcherkicken99]

Most of those sound on the money.

The safari at AK can be bumpy in places so be advised.

When is the last time he was on POTC?? The drop is a little bigger since the redo.

[outlander]

I agree with baloo, he might want to avoid the safari. It can be jerky.

[mainegal]

You have made a really good list.

Might add the twisting slides into the pools at the resorts.

[MissBritt]

Thanks everyone. He had a laminectomy and partial fusion, a disc and rods inserted. Last time he was on POTC was 06, long before the diagnosis or pain. I will consider avoiding Safari. Thanks again.

[photofreak]

Definately avoid the Safari in AK. 5 years post back surgery and I am ever so careful. That one took me by surprise and it was very jerky.... I won't be doing it again!!
Also, I found the bug's life one in AK was not comfortable either, but that was because I had never done it before and the airjet ended up squarely in my back. It hurt when it went off! I would double check where I was sitting next time!!

[HsvTeacher]

I had back surgery on June 4, 2007. I was on bedrest for one month and had three months of rehab after the surgery. We went to WDW in September 2008, which was one year and three months later. (About the same point your DH will be during your trip.)

The rides in red are the ones that bothered me:

Originally Posted by MissBritt

DHS-
Star Tours (?) -
ToT and RnR are obviously out.

AK-
Dinosaur (Somewhat)
Primeaval Whirl - It was closed in September for refurb, so I'm listing it. I rode it in March, May, and October with no problems.
Expedition Everest

EP-
Mission Space (Never tried this one, so I'm listing it anyway.)
Test Track

MK-
All Mountains are out.
Astro Orbiter
Pirates is about as extreme as we go.

I didn't have any trouble with Space Mountain, BTMRR, or Space Mountain. The safari didn't give me any trouble either, but I made sure that I sat in the middle of the vehicle. I'm always very careful to keep a "neutral spine" while I'm riding any rides that could give me trouble.

[syko]

You can ride Star Tours without the movement!!!!

When you get to the ried entrance ask for a "Flight Check" if its not too busy you will be allowed one.(you sit and watch the film)
This is the only way I can go on the ride and have never had a problem getting one, but I have never asked a peak times of the year.

[Bullseye]

I had a two level fusion (C4-C5) in April 09 and rode everything a month ago in October 09. The only rides I felt were risky were Dinosaur and most anything at the water parks. Water slides are too unpredictable.

Each "spiney's" situation is different and only you know your pain and what you can tolerate. Follow your doctors advice and your heart. My Surgeon gave me the green light and only said to avoid really herky jerky rides. I wouldn't have rode SM if it was open and I avoided BTMRR.

Safari, Test Track, TOT, RNR, and EE as well as the childrens rides were no problem.

[mickeyluv'r]

Originally Posted by kwitcherkicken99

Most of those sound on the money.

The safari at AK can be bumpy in places so be advised.

When is the last time he was on POTC?? The drop is a little bigger since the redo.

Um, no. This is incorrect. The drop on POTC is the same size it has ALWAYS been. Changing it would require FAR more extensive changes then the ones they did! They did however - lower the lighting at the top of the drop- and eliminate the verbal warning. It used to say, "There be rough waters ahead!" Now there is only darkness and the voices (aaaaGHHH!) from the boat in front of you. Oh, and the kind of pause that happens.

Maelstrom has a similar drop.

But if back problems are the issue, the drop is not your primary concern. Your concern is probably the end of the ride - when the boats back up and hit each other. (Like a bumber car) That is when your back might get banged, and you might experience unexpected motion. If that's the case- then all free-standing boat-type rides should be avoided: Splash, IaSW, BTMRR (sudden braking at end), Mexico, Maelstrom (Though I don't think boats are often allowed to crash) (Not only does the boat behind hit your boat, but another boat hits that boat and so forth, until you unload.)
Living with Land, Jungle Cruise and the big ferryboat ride around TS Island are safe.

Also, it is rare - but SOMETIMES evacuating rides is necessary- so while it's not an every day thing - it's something he may want to consider while riding and deciding if that's something he wants to do again. What comes to mind is Peter Pan - as much of the ride is elevated. Maybe climbing down a ladder is fine for him, I don't know. Or maybe you think the risk of having to evacuate is low enough.

Oh, and a few more I thought of to avoid is Goofy's Barnstormer. The gas cars in MK are also sometimes 'bumber' cars in a more literal sense.

[Rosanne]

I avoid most questionable rides because of my back. The last time I rode Space Mountain was May of 2000. My back was feeling great before I got on the ride. After the ride I was walking like an old lady for about six weeks. The thing I always found about space mountain is that the jerkiness etc. varied wildly from ride to ride and year to year. Some were smooth and some were very jerky. After that 2000 ride I just decided that, much as I looooove space mountain, it is not worth it. I didn't have any trouble on Star Tours myself.

[mickeyluv'r]

Good point - it often matters considerably WHERE in the car or vehicle you ride. The front is often WAY tamer and smoother than the front on most coaster type rides (er, multicar type rides). I can't speak to SM exactly, but others of that type.

[MissBritt]

Thanks everyone. I think I will avoid all on the list, and possibly Safari. He still has chronic pain, and hitting a pothole while driving can sometimes put him to tears. It's pretty bad- the disc above the one operated on is now as degenerated as the one that was "fixed". I guess I will let him try POTC, but that's the extent of it. He never has a "good" back day, and knows he will be limited to certain rides. I appreciate all the input.

[n2mm]

Originally Posted by kwitcherkicken99

Most of those sound on the money.

The safari at AK can be bumpy in places so be advised.

When is the last time he was on POTC?? The drop is a little bigger since the redo.

I was going to post this one too. I had back surgery 4 years ago and I'm as perfect as I can get now and ride everything, but I was at WDW 6 weeks post opt after surgery. I made the mistake of doing the Safari and was in the back seat....ouch!