Rock n Roller Coaster/Back Problems

[indyanna]

I had a herniated disk removed in my neck and a plate "installed" to fuse my spine a few years ago. My neurosurgeon said there were absolutely no limitations as to what I could do (I specifically mentioned roller coasters!). I've been in a car accident since, and ridden a few tamer coasters with no problems, but still feel a little jittery. Just how wild is this ride? It sure looks like a lot of fun, but don't know if it would be worth it for me.

 

[elizatish]

This rollercoaster was very smooth and didn't even feel as if you went upside down, but I don't have any back problems either so I am not an expert . If your doctor said no limitations than the ride is fine, again it's really smooth unlike space mountain. Enjoy!

 

[wdwguide]

Well, the coaster pulls over 4 g's briefly as you enter the first inversion, and the warning signs discourage people with back or neck problems from riding. That said, your doctor probably knows how much more body can handle, and if he says it's ok, then I would believe his judgement.

 

[DrTomorrow]

indyanna,

I had THREE cervical disks done in 1999 (C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7) and had a plate in to fuse. Neurosurgeon said that my neck was a lot more stable than a typical persons and that rollercoasters weren't a problem - I asked - and his undergrad degree was a mechanical engineer. I've ridden everything a Cedar Pointe (except the new one) and have never had a problem, although, because we're missing some vertebral padding, some rides seem a bit rougher - just like a bumpy road with bad shocks.

If Dr. says OK - have a great time.
Erick

 

[dzneelvr]

by all means tell you doc about the specifics of the ride and then keep your fingers crossed it's ok.
It is one AWESOME ride !!


Dollywood in 2003
WDW in 2004

 

[Eljay]

This ride is very smooth & you are held very securely with the shoulder harness. Your head doesn't go side to side at all. I have a very delicate back with 2 herniated discs. I ride all the time - never the slightest problem. Enjoy!
Oh yes, just be sure to keep your head straight forward for the launch - watch for the green light!

 

[AllAboutDisney]

I rode RNR the other day and strained my neck. I was trying to hold my head forward instead of bracing it on the headrest. I woke up very stiff the next day and proceeded to ride HULK at IOA and was very sore for the next two days. I am OK now and had no pre-existing conditions. Having said that... make an informed decision!!! Have fun on your trip!

 

[indyanna]

DrTomorrow - Wow 3 herniated discs!? All at the same time? Mine was between C6 & C7 and appeared out of nowhere. Strangely enough, my mom had the same disc herniated at when she was the same age as me. Luckily medical advancements made my surgery much easier (no bone graft from my hip or week long stay!), but I still didn't like being pushed out of the hospital the same day as the surgery.

I guess if your doctor told you the same thing mine did, then it's a pretty good bet they're right. I think I've decided to go for it!

 

[Eljay]

Originally posted by Eljay
This ride is very smooth & you are held very securely with the shoulder harness. Your head doesn't go side to side at all. I have a very delicate back with 2 herniated discs. I ride all the time - never the slightest problem. Enjoy!
Oh yes, just be sure to keep your head straight forward for the launch - watch for the green light!

Whoa! Hold on a second, I didn't mean to lean forward! I meant to face forward & keep your head back against the headrest for the launch. Yikes!

 

[LadyLt]

Indyanna,

I have had two cervical surgeries. In 1997, I had C6 - C7 disk removed and a bone graft there. In 2001, I had two disks removed at once: C4 -C5 and C5-C6. The last two had my spinal cord pressed in half and I had the symptoms of a severe stroke or MS. I have two more bone grafts and a plate from the second surgery. This is the main reason I retired at age 50.

That said, I ride Rock n Roller Coaster frequently. It has never hurt me in any way. I also ride Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain RR. I do not ride Space Mountain, Star Tours, Body Wars, Dinosaur, or the new Primeval Whirl. The difference in that these rides deliberately shake you side to side.

I am not so worried about the area of my cervical spine that has already been repaired and fused. I don't want to have another ruptured disk. LOL

If you want to ride RnR, go for it and enjoy it. I do.

 

[karen1]

Thank you for the info!! I had 3 herniated discs 3 yrs ago when I gave birth to 3rd child. I have yet to ride a coaster since becuase I am very fearful of the discs. I haven't had surgery and have not had any pain since 2001. But I'm DYING to do RNR.

You have all convinced me!!! Head against the headrest and I'm off!!!

 

[DisneyBen]

Another tip - Try to sit near the front of the train, as the ride is a lot smoother than it is in the back. If the disc was in your neck, you may not want your head bouncing off the restraints.

If you do not put your head back at the launch, Rock 'n Roller Coaster will be glad to do it for you.

 

[disneys4me]

I have been on this ride and it is Great!! I love it your head and neck does not whip around like some roller coaster rides although i have never had any back or neck problems but if your doctor says its ok have a great time.

 

[FCDub]

I’m sorry… what.

 

[Tonberry]

In other news, I had pancakes for dinner.