Back problems and rides?

[ilovemcbride]

I just learned that I have a possible leaking disk that's pressing down on my nerve and beginning stages of osteoarthiritis. I know it's been discussed before about heeding the blood pressure warnings on rides. However, I want to know about the warnings that say not to ride if you have a back or neck problems. I'm not a thrill ride person by any means. However, I really would like to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I've never ridden it, and every year I say I want to but then I chicken out. Is it really bumpy? Do you get lifted up out of your seat when it goes downhill? Is it really hard on your back? Also, what about Dinosaur as far as bad backs go? Thanks!

 

[Robo]

I just learned that I have a possible leaking disk that's pressing down on my nerve and beginning stages of osteoarthiritis. I know it's been discussed before about heeding the blood pressure warnings on rides. However, I want to know about the warnings that say not to ride if you have a back or neck problems. I'm not a thrill ride person by any means. However, I really would like to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I've never ridden it, and every year I say I want to but then I chicken out. Is it really bumpy? Do you get lifted up out of your seat when it goes downhill? Is it really hard on your back? Also, what about Dinosaur as far as bad backs go? Thanks!

Dinosaur is very, VERY rough.
Would not ride that one for sure.

BTMRR, as coasters go, is not as rough as Rock'nRoller Coaster or Space Mountain.
But it DOES do some fast "dips" and hair-pin curves.

I love these attractions, but heed the warnings if you have a pending back problem.

As far as "SMOOTH" riding coasters... the new Expedition Everest at DAK is amazing, but back problems can be very debilitating.

When in doubt regarding medical issues, don'tT take a chance.

 

[dialane]

Big Thunder really jerks you around A LOT and so does Dinosaur. You do get a very slight lift out of your seat a couple of times on Big Thunder, but I don't think that would be as bad for your back as the fact that, in general, they are both "rough" rides. I am a senior and I ride them both and enjoy them both, but don't have back problems - thank goodness! They are lots of fun, but they ARE NOT smooth rides. Ask your doc, he/she has probably been to WDW and would be able to give you advice on whether to ride or not.

Also, remember how much you are bounced around on Safari. It is probably another one to steer clear of with back problems. On a positive note, think of all the rides/attractions you CAN still enjoy without the threat of causing a problem to an existing condition. WDW has something for everyone - - - go ride Soarin! It is so smooth and great fun! or go watch Turtle Talk with Crush, which is cute and clever, or pick a spot around Showcase Lagoon any night and be awed by the magnificent display of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Always takes my breath away. Just go, have fun and enjoy the magic that is everywhere around you!

 

[EjandMD]

I have two ruptured discs L4 and L5 and two buldging discs. I ride everything and just keep it in mind. Now I was never at WDW during an episode. in other words were I have to spend my time on heating pads and advil. So when I ride Dinasour I brace my feet against the front so I'm not bumping around. Also, make sure you ride with someone next to you this will also cut down on the bumping. When I ride Big Thunder, I put my jacket in a ball behind my back for support.

When I was told about my condition I thought it was over! But I lost weight, don't pick up anything heavy, and when it starts to hurt i get on a heating pad.

I don't know your situation and how much pain you are in but this is my experience, if you are nervous don't do it.

 

[Twende]

EE in Animal Kingdom is much smoother than Thunder Mountain or Dinosaur.

I think Space Mountain is smoother than either of these too but nothing like the smoothness of EE.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

I have a herniated disk in my lower back that rarely has any problem. The last two times we went, I rode any and everything I wanted to ride. However, I now have two herniated disks in my neck area, with spurs around them, and the pain has been tremendous since the problem came up in December. There is no way I could ride hardly any of the rides right now without pain. I even hate riding in a car right now!
I do think that it will all depend on how you have been doing recently. If you haven't been having any pains, major or minor, you will probably be okay. But, if the pains have been acting up, or if the problem is very recent it may limit what you feel comfortable riding.
Good luck and have fun when you go!
Kim

 

[EjandMD]

Kim I am so sorry you are going through that! I understand the the upper discs are much worse and more painful then the more common lower back. The good news is I know people who have had the surgery for the upper discs and came out perfectly fine with no pain So don't get down!

 

[ilovemcbride]

Thanks, everybody!

 

[grinningghost]

I had a cervical diskectomy in 2004, and still managed to ride everything at Disneyland in March, 2005 with no problems. That included Indiana Jones which is a very rough Dinosaur-like ride.

My DH has 2 herniated disks in his L4, L5 and rides everything also.

But we both know the risks and have accepted that if we screw ourselves up, it's our own stupid fault and Disney is not to blame.

My advice is this, if you DO decide to ride, make sure you hang on tight so you get jerked around as little as possible. And wedge your feet in tight on the floor as well. It helps keep you a little more stable.

 

[wdwguide]

Space Mountain is absolutely brutal on my back, and the Barnstormer is rough on my neck. The other rides are mostly fine for me, but of course everyone's back problems are different.