Riding rides after neck surgery

[dissy_dee]

I had neck surgery (ACDF) on July 10th. I have not had a chance to talk to my doctor about this but I will ask him before my trip.

I just wondered if there is anyone here that might be familiar with this type surgery and riding rides afterwards.

I really think I will skip BTMR and some of the others like that. I love Splash Mountain though and would hate to have to skip it.

My neck is getting better everyday and I just hope by December 16th that I will be able to ride whatever I want to.

Any thoughts out there on this?

 

[Tikihula]

I should think six months of healing would allow you to go on most rides except for the roughest, like Dinosaur, Space Mountain, etc.

 

[TikiGoddess]

I found rockin rollercoaster to be the hardest on my neck. I haven't had surgery, but I do get tension headaches so I try to watch for neckbreakers since they tend to trigger my headaches. Obviously as you said, your doctor would know best, but I'd say that ride and also Spaceship Earth which was particularly jerky last time I rode it (don't know if they've fixed that since the rehab). And I also agree about Dinosaur.

 

[dissy_dee]

I loved the Dino ride last trip. And I don't like Spaceship Earth but I really would never have thought about it being rough on the neck.

I am hoping the doctor has good news for me.

 

[mom2faith]

I have no idea what kind of surgery you had, but I would ask your Dr and your Neurosurgeon as well.

A friend of mine had a C1/C2 injury and there would be no more rides for him - ever. Anythin rough could cause re-injury.

 

[chepic]

Physical therapist chiming in.....I tell all my patients 6 months - 1 year before it feels "normal" again, and for someone like you, I would tell them to avoid anything that jerks the head for at least 9 months....you yourself, though, know your body, and your MD will have a better idea of how you are healing, so obviously, go with what he says.

good luck

cheryl

 

[dissy_dee]

thanks for the info. At my last visit the doctor told me I could do whatever I felt comfortable doing.

But I am sure I will feel comfortable getting on the ride. I am just afraid the discomfort will start during/after riding.

I have another visit scheduled before my trip so will make sure to address this with him and hopefully he knows something about disney and the rides to be able to give me a good answer.

I had a herniated disc at C5-6 and they went in and removed it and fused it. I have good motion of my neck but it is still sore even after swimming.

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

DH had back surgery in late Feb & we went to the world in late May. Neurosurgeon said he could do whatever he wanted as far as rides go, & he did. He was a little nervous & skipped only some of the bodyslides at the waterparks. His was lower back so of course that is different. I found that for someone with no "problems" that the RNR at HS was very hard on my head & neck this time. Not too sure why this time and not the other 30 times I've ridden it. I say talk to your doctor & really see how you feel when you get there.

 

[Earstou]

I had C4-6 fused and was told no roller coasters, and no TOT.

Dinosaur really jerked me around the last time I rode it before surgery, so I didn't even try it after.
I did ride Splash Mountain after surgery and did okay.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just so you know which rides WDW lists as having a warning.........
You can look at the park maps for the attractions with warnings - they are marked with a red triangle on the map and also on a sign at the entrance to the queue.
For Epcot here are the attractions with warnings:

• Mission Space
• Test Track

For Magic Kingdom:

• Splash Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
• Space Mountain

For Disney Studio

• Star Tours
• Rock N Roller Coaster
• Tower of Terror

For Animal Kingdom:

• Kilimanjaro Safari
• Kali River Rapids
• Expedition Everest
• Primeval Whirl
• Dinosaur

Two that are not on the list that I know people with neck/back problems mention frequently are Spaceship Earth and Haunted Mansion. The reason most people usually mention those is that both of them have a section where you are going down an incline backwards. The ride cars are hard plastic and some people find riding down uncomfortable because your weight is resting on your back. That's also a place where people tend to feel bumps in the ride track.

 

[TinkerCarol]

I have had 3 cervical laminectomies on my neck. C2-7. I am very careful what I ride at Disney. And it has ben 3 years since my last one. I would listen to your Drs. carefully and do what they say. At the first sign of pain, I would take it easy. I strecth more than ever before and during Disney. I been on ToT and been fine. The worst part is tensing up because I am afraid! When on other slightly jerky rides I try to stay as lose and tense free as possible. Good luck and pixie dust!

 

[disnut8]

I have a broken neck between C-1 and C-2. It's permanent and I am very careful about what I ride. Here's what I steer clear of at Disney World (it's a very short list):

Magic Kingdom -
Teacups (make me sick anyway)
Speedway (don't trust the drivers behind me)
All three mountains (nothing that thuds)

Animal Kingdom -
Everest (thud)
Dinosaur (jerky)
Primevil Whirl (whipping around)
Kali River Rapids (thud)
I used to avoid the Safari but there is really only one part and that's just like riding on a rough road so it's fine for me

Studios -
Twilight Zone (although I do the preshow which I love)
Rock and Roller Coaster (preshow again)

Epcot -
Test Track (jerky)
Orange side of Mission:Space (whipping). The Green side is fine.

Of all those, Splash Mountain and Everest are the two I really miss. But the alternative is not worth anything in the world.

 

[dissy_dee]

Thanks for all the replies. I will consult my doctor before my trip and make a judgement on what he says.

My older son loves the thrill rides and I am/was the only one that would ride them with him. He is a bit bombed out about the thought of having to ride them alone versus skipping them. Plus I love riding them.

I am sure whatever the doctor tells me we will have a good time as we always have before.

 

[bekkiz]

Just another opinion (of course, doc's orders come first!)

I went to WDW a year after fusion at L5-S1. I skipped or limited rides that are super bouncy or threw you around, like Space Mt, Dinosaur and Big Thunder. Most of the "newer" rides were fairly smooth and I didn't have any issues. Rockn' Roller Coaster was a little jerky. Tower of Terror might be harder for you, since it's a higher up fusion, but it didn't bother me at all. I think I rode Everest like 15 times over the course of the week, it was super easy to ride.

You sound like you have a great attitude, and I bet you will have an awesome time! I hope your recovery continues to go well and that your trip kicks butt!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Definitely check with your doctor.
2) Then, pay attention to warning signs at rides.
3) A neck injury is far too critical to risk further repeated damage.
4) Best of luck with you vacation.