Disney World with a bad back?

[DisneyGirl201017]

I'm currently in physical therapy for problems with my lower back. Still not sure the problem is but trying to find out. Our trip is planned for January and I'm already worried about the walking for the trip. I really don't want to miss out on my trip! Does anyone have any tips for taking on the World with back problems? Anything at all would be appreciated and helpful!
Thanks for your time!

 

[Terkina]

I have had back problems for way to many years. In 2008 I finaly got a wheel chair. I don't use it everyday. At home I use it when I'm planning on doing a lot of shopping or if I'm planing doing something that involves a lot of walking. I always use the wheel chair when I'm going on vacation because I know there will be way to much walking. And that gets the pain realy going.

If I was you I would get a wheelchair or an ECV for your WDW trip. You can use the wheelchair when you feel the pain is geting to you. When you feel like walking you can push your chair. I find it a lot easier to walk when I push the chair.

 

[DisneyGirl201017]

I have had back problems for way to many years. In 2008 I finaly got a wheel chair. I don't use it everyday. At home I use it when I'm planning on doing a lot of shopping or if I'm planing doing something that involves a lot of walking. I always use the wheel chair when I'm going on vacation because I know there will be way to much walking. And that gets the pain realy going.

If I was you I would get a wheelchair or an ECV for your WDW trip. You can use the wheelchair when you feel the pain is getting to you. When you feel like walking you can push your chair. I find it a lot easier to walk when I push the chair.

Do you rent a wheelchair from where you are going or did you buy one? I know if I rented one everyday when I'm there it would get expensive.
If you did buy your own though, how much is a wheelchair?

 

[Terkina]

I got my own chair. That way I have a chair that fit me perfectly.

I don't know how much a wheel chair cost because here in Norway you get a wheelchair to borrow the rest of your life if you need to.

If you go over to the disAbilities board I'm sure someone can answer your question

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going over to the disABILITIES Forum. One of the first threads is the disABILITIES FAQs. On Post #2 we have a lot of information for people with mobility and/or stamina situations, including fairly detailed information about both on- and off-site rentals of ECVs and wheelchairs. To get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs from here just click on the link in my signature.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I would rent an ECV. Some back conditions won't respond well to a wheelchair. The sling-type seat is not supportive at all.

ECVs have a solid seat for support. Who needs 2 problems - your original back problem + the new pain from the non-supportive seat?!

 

[pbrim]

One of the most important things is to do an honest self assesment of just what condition you are in. I also have back problems, and prior to my trip I thought I would be just fine, just need to stop and rest a little. But I did some walking in the mall to determine just how far I could walk before it became a real problem, and I came to realize that, without even being aware, I had been gradually cutting back what I did in response to the pain, and in the end I couldn't even stay on my feet continously for 45 min without being in considerable pain.

I ended up renting an ECV, and it was the best decision I ever made. More than just the pain, in talking with my traveling companion, I became aware of just how grouchy and unpleasant I used to get over the day just because I felt so lousy.

If you can handle 8-10 miles a day with just a little help here and there, fine, But if you are already dreading the walking, it is probably time to seriously consider an ECV. Just because you use one under extreme conditions (and Disney is extreme) doesn't mean you will always need to use one. Keep working on the back and see what you can do to make it better. But using an ECV can mean that you can keep up with your family better, you have freedom to go and do what you want, without being hurting and grumpy.

 

[Mrs K]

I have an old back injury and have walked WDW many times. First, wear good supportive shoes. New Balance sneakers are best for me. Ask the physical therapist what's best for you. Buy a few instant ice packs to bring to the park. I have sat on a bench many times with ice on my lower back. I have also walked around with an icepack in my shorts! Also bring some zip lock bags to make ice packs in the room. Ice, rest and ibuprophen work best for me. I have to avoid water slides too, I learned that the hard way! I wouldn't be comfortable with an ECV, but I just try not to push myself too far. Good luck.

 

[makthompson]

we get an electric wheel chair. it's cheaper if you rent one from a local company and they will bring it to your room when you arrive and pick up on the day you leave. riding instead of walking to the bus or monterail can really help you out as well.

 

[xipetotec]

I'm currently in physical therapy for problems with my lower back. Still not sure the problem is but trying to find out. Our trip is planned for January and I'm already worried about the walking for the trip. I really don't want to miss out on my trip! Does anyone have any tips for taking on the World with back problems? Anything at all would be appreciated and helpful!
Thanks for your time!

DW injured herself last year.
We did DisneyLand in March, and let me just say, a Wheelchair is your friend.
There are a number of ways you can get one easily. some hotels have them on a first come first serve basis. You can rent them in the parks, in Downtown Disney. Or arrange for one in Orlando to be delivered to you.

You don't *need* to stay in it all the time. DW, like you, could not walk long distances, but she COULD "transfer". So basically when she got to the end of the line, she didn't need any special treatment, she could just disembark and get into the ride vehicle.

 

[Jennayg123]

My grandfather has a really bad back, and has for years, but like the trooper (and Disney lover!) he is, we go every year. One thing that really seems to help him is going back to the resort right after lunch for a mid-day break. I don't know if you're staying on Disney property, but it's a really big help for him to go back and relax by the pool and re-charge before heading back out for dinner. Some days are better than others, but we've found that for all of us, we really like going back in the middle of the day. Hope that helps!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

I'm sure by now you've checked out the disabilities board, but I wanted to weigh in anyway. I have sciatica, and I found that sometimes my back would start to tighten up b/c I was always in a rush. I just had to force myself to slow down. The other thing I wanted to say was that most rides were good on my back, but Expedition Everest tweaked it. I felt some nifty jerks to my back that put me in pain.

 

[matt and beth]

I have been plagued working construction with a bad back. Our last trip we went to WDW my middle back between the shoulders was in shambles. It hurt in my sternum it was so bad. To take a deep breath was absolutely painful and it was causing indigestion. There are no comfortable positions with upper back be causing breathing, digesting, moving your arms, and turning your head are all involved. We went on BTRR. I thought oh well might as well have fun. Pop the pain pills and muscle relaxers and go for it. It was right before the hill climb the car does this jerking motion where it causes this sudden whiplash like motion. Crack goes my back! I thought oops there goes the rest of WDW. I am going to be bed ridden the rest of the trip. When the ride stopped I slowly rose out of the seat. Moved around ever so slightly and found BTRR had completely fixed my back for the duration of the trip. It was totally awesome. I could not believe BTRR fixed what was plaguing me for weeks. Now it still comes back on occasion and I let my Chiropractor friend crack it back. Sometimes Disney is magical in more ways than one!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

I have been plagued working construction with a bad back. Our last trip we went to WDW my middle back between the shoulders was in shambles. It hurt in my sternum it was so bad. To take a deep breath was absolutely painful and it was causing indigestion. There are no comfortable positions with upper back be causing breathing, digesting, moving your arms, and turning your head are all involved. We went on BTRR. I thought oh well might as well have fun. Pop the pain pills and muscle relaxers and go for it. It was right before the hill climb the car does this jerking motion where it causes this sudden whiplash like motion. Crack goes my back! I thought oops there goes the rest of WDW. I am going to be bed ridden the rest of the trip. When the ride stopped I slowly rose out of the seat. Moved around ever so slightly and found BTRR had completely fixed my back for the duration of the trip. It was totally awesome. I could not believe BTRR fixed what was plaguing me for weeks. Now it still comes back on occasion and I let my Chiropractor friend crack it back. Sometimes Disney is magical in more ways than one!

OOOH!!! I know what you are talking about! I have a bad shoulder from ground fighting with a student who got out of control during a classroom grappling match. The student was very competitive and just had to "beat sensei". I of course couldn't let her get so out of control and I took her down. I heard my shoulder pop really loud, but I kept going until I had her submitted. My shoulder has never been the same. One day while grappling my head instructor/mentor, he turned my arm in such a way that I screamed. I have never screamed even during 5 labors with my kids! He was like "Are you ok?", and I was shocked b/c even though it hurt when it happened, my shoulder was in perfect condition. It has since gone back out, but it was a wierd and amazing moment. Glad you are able to get some relief from it.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

This may or not be helpful, but I'll put it out there.

I've had trouble with my feet at WDW for many years. Over the past few trips, it had also involved my ankles, hips, and lower back.

Turns out, everything stemmed from plantars fascitis -- its the strip of tendon or muscle between your heal and the foot pad below your toes.

I had a lot of tightness that went from my toes to my glutious maximus. I did a ton of exercises, got comfortable shoes, inserts and HEEL CUPS, oh and ibuprofin and had the best trip EVER. My back never hurt at all.

My feet only hurt twice during the whole trip. Once after a double whammy long wait for both muppets and then little Mermaid, and the 2nd time at security at the Orlando Airport. Both times, I had skipped the ibuprofin.

That surely beat being miserable at 11am every day, knowing all of the best bench locations throughout the trip, nearly passing out waiting for busses after fireworks, and being totally useless once we got back to the room.

Here is what didn't work. I've put 2 tubes of aspercreme on my feet in 1 week, patches on my back, elevating my feet while I slept at night, and ate bananas.

My sister has scoliosis and know that back pain can be horrible. I hope this helps.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

This may or not be helpful, but I'll put it out there.

I've had trouble with my feet at WDW for many years. Over the past few trips, it had also involved my ankles, hips, and lower back.

Turns out, everything stemmed from plantars fascitis -- its the strip of tendon or muscle between your heal and the foot pad below your toes.

I had a lot of tightness that went from my toes to my glutious maximus. I did a ton of exercises, got comfortable shoes, inserts and HEEL CUPS, oh and ibuprofin and had the best trip EVER. My back never hurt at all.

My feet only hurt twice during the whole trip. Once after a double whammy long wait for both muppets and then little Mermaid, and the 2nd time at security at the Orlando Airport. Both times, I had skipped the ibuprofin.

That surely beat being miserable at 11am every day, knowing all of the best bench locations throughout the trip, nearly passing out waiting for busses after fireworks, and being totally useless once we got back to the room.

Here is what didn't work. I've put 2 tubes of aspercreme on my feet in 1 week, patches on my back, elevating my feet while I slept at night, and ate bananas.

My sister has scoliosis and know that back pain can be horrible. I hope this helps.

I too suffer from PF among other foot issues. It was a terrible experience for my first trip, but I managed it with my second. My only advice with that is to watch the ibuprophen. I never had an issue with it until I injured my feet and I had to be on it for 6 months of therapy and shots. Now I suffer (and I do mean suffer) from very painful ulcers in my stomach. The ibuprophen caused an H Pylori bacterial infection that caused the ulcers. It stinks. It can happen even if you don't take it for 6 months straight like I did on my doctors orders. Anyway, after years of therapy, shots, ultrasound therapy, having my achilles tendons lengthened (ugh that was awful), and foot wraps, I have found simple band stretches to be the answer. I learned them in therapy and continued on my own. They keep the achilles stretched so it applies less pressure to the heels causing less friction and the resulting PF. I just had a bout of PF two months before my last trip that travelled up into my ankle. I thought I broke my whole foot. It took much less time to heal since I had my exercises to fall back on. If anyone needs to know how to stretch for PF, PM me and I will guide you through the exercises.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Here is what didn't work. I've put 2 tubes of aspercreme on my feet in 1 week, patches on my back, elevating my feet while I slept at night, and ate bananas.

My sister has scoliosis and know that back pain can be horrible. I hope this helps.

That's a shame the back patches didn't help. I have degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and a whole bunch of back problems. Usually the back patches help me-only certain brands though. I'm an Icy Hot girl! I also like their roll on. And before you go, Amazon sells a back thing that you put in the microwave to heat up and tie around your lower waist. It's too thick to wear out, but in the evening it's great. And be especially sure if you go on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride to tell them you have to sit in a first or second row. A few years ago I didn't, and when we went over a bump, my back teeth shook, and the pain on my back was incredible.