Need Some Help--back Problems

[LAD1108]

First off---I know this isn't a medical board---I am looking for some advise from(I know they exist) fellow back pain/siatica suffers.

Last on the Travel Channel they had a special on WDW. As I was watching, I realized (or think) that there is a lot that I can't ride.

Here is my diagnosis: Herniated L4--L5 with the S1 nerve(siatica). This basically effects my left leg--It can go numb/cramp up/ or the old pins and neddles feeling. I have had this for about 4 years off and on. I use a TENS Unit (can't wait to get through airport security with this thing) and Aleve.


I know others suffer as I do, So I need to know how they made out--what rides they could do and the ones to avoid. I know any type of a rollercoaster is out of the question----- I really wanted to do the Safari at AK--but now I don't know.

Thank in advance.....


Any and all help would be appreciate

 

[chrisxtwo]

Hey! L4-L5 you say? My herniated disc is L5-S1 but has a similar effect on my leg. There are only a few rides I watch out for.

Thunder Mountain can be a little rough, especially near the back. I didn't have any issues with the Safari in AK though. The Tomorrowland Speedway is a no go for me due to the possibility of being rearended. Goofy's Barnstormer is a little rough and if you are tall, the leg room (or lack of leg room) can make it worse. I can ride Splash Mountain and Space Mountain without any trouble. I usually just play it by ear. You'll have plenty to see and do! Have a great trip!

 

[PatriciaH]

DH had a ruptured disc for years. A lot of the rides hurt his back even ones like Malestrom (bumping.) He went through 8 weeks of VAX-D treatment this summer and he has not had back pain since! It has been really amazing-built the fluid in his disc back up. He tries to avoid things like Kiliminjaro Safari, Star Tours, Primevial Whirl, etc.. that would jar his back. TOT, RNR, SM, BTM are ok for him.

http://www.vax-d.com/

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

there's a TON of things you can still do in the parks! i would just stay away from the roller coasters, they're really bumpy and some of my discs get dislocated when i go on them. so let's see, roller coasters, Splash Mountain, and Mission Space i would most definatly stay away from. but everything else i'm sure you'd be fine one. the only one i'm not sure about is the safari ride. i would say stay away from it because it could be a bit bumpy and there is a part where you're on a bridge and it starts to "fall" and that's really bumpy.

 

[blondeheroine]

I stay away from Dinosaur at AK most of the time because I have lower back pain and neck pain. I can ride most anything, but this is the one that does it for me. It's very bumpy and jerky and if I want to enjoy the rest of my day, I simply avoid it.

And I refuse to ride Mission:Space. You'll find there are plenty of things to do though. Soarin won't bother you as it's simulated and moves little. And, of course, dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean won't phase you either.

 

[Hugpug]

I have a lower disc problem and will cause me problems if the nerve pinchs . I avoid most rollar coasters (don't like them anyhow) Kj is quick bumpy so I would avoid. Star Wars can be rough but you can ask to ride the non movement version. The same goes for Mission space now which I plan on doing for the first time otherwise I would never ride it. I do manage TOT once but mostly beacuse of fear of height. Soarin is great no problem. There is so much to do not being able to ride some of the rides will not spoil your fun. Just use your common sense.

 

[tzvdmd]

I never have any trouble with MS. KJ is a bad one though. The same goes for SM.

 

[mattsdragon]

My problems are focused more on the upper back. I had a tumor removed from my cord at C5-C7, then a year later, I had a fusion at C6-C7 for ruptured discs. I still have a small herniation at C5.

A month after my first surgery, I went to Busch Gardens (Va) and rode everything, needing only alleve. I've ridden everything at the WDW multiple times before and after surgeries.

On the whole, true rollercoasters are a lot easier on back and neck problems than a lot of Disney's rides. KS isn't too bad, but dinosaur, Star Tours are two rides I wouldn't recommend for lumbar/sciatic pain. Maybe ToT would cause some discomfort because of getting jammed into your seat. But remember, Disney's rides are a lot tamer than many other parks.

In the end, you'll have to make the call, just read the advisories, and thnk about the motion of each ride before getting on.

Have fun.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Definitely stay away from Dinosaur. My hubby threw his back out on that one and was in serious pain for the rest of our trip.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

Before our last Dec. trip I had a spinal epidural and stayed off all roller coaster type rides and rides that shake or are bouncey. What I forgot was what the physical therapist said about lifting. We stayed at BCVs and I picked up a laundry basket and felt pain the likes of which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Fortunately, because my injury overall was so recent I had brought my pain meds. But, we really had to slow down as I had so much trouble with the tingling and numbness. Long story short, take it easy not only on the rides but elsewhere. Have a great trip.

 

[princess sparkle p]

For the last 11 years I have struggled to deal with discs out at L4-L5 and L5-S1, I also have problems with my sciatic nerve. When I go to Disney I usually ride everything but the roller coasters. But I don’t like roller coasters. I have never had any problems riding the other rides including the AK Safari and Dinosaur. I am actively involved in chiropractic care, massotherapy, and I also use orthotics. First got the orthotics in 2001, they changed my life!!! They are foot levelers.