WDW and Scoliosis

[1rockinmamato2]

DS is 4. He has a 35 degree curvature of the spine He has a check-up scheduled with his ortho before our next WDW trip. But, because he'll be over 40 inches on this trip, and able to ride BTMRR and Splash Mountain, I am wondering if you think his doctor is going to restrict him from those rides?

I will of course ask his doctor, but wanted to see what you all thought.

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I am going to move this thread to the disABILITIES Board where the WDW discussions are (I think you probably meant to post there, so I'll move it for you).

It's hard to say what the Orthopod will say. A lot might depend on how stable your son's back is and how strong his trunk muscles are. Both of those attractions do have warnings for people with neck or back problems/conditions. Splash Mountain has several drops besides the big (5 story!) drop.
BTMRR has a lot of twisting and turning motion.

You might want to look at video of the 2 attractions on youtube so that you can get a better idea of what to tell the doctor about them.
This one is a pretty good overview of Splash Mountain. Aside from the drops, it is a fairly smooth ride.

Here's one of BTMRR. It is a much more bumpy ride since it is a railroad line. I remember feeling a little bump with each 'bump' sound.

 

[Janell]

I too have Scoliosis, little back ground on me. Had surgery in 1991 to correct it, long story short, I still have a curve, but it had stopped move so all is good. I think at the age of 31 I have about 43 degree curve.

Not really sure what the doctor will say. If it doesn't hurt your son, I don't see why he count ride them. I don't ride Splash that often due to I don't like getting wet. But I have never had a problem with it. Never gotten hurt and never felt pain afterwards from riding.

BTMRR, I have no problems with that one either. Out of the two my guess is this would be the harder one to ride, because you move around a lot more in your seat. If that would be a problem for your son, maybe you and hold him close to you while you ride. That sometimes help.

I know you didn't ask, but here are some things I do to make my trips better. Good pair of shoes, I found a running shoe store locally and finally at the age of 29 found good shoes that really do help take the pressure off my back. I guess when you give up style for comfort you can find a good pair. lol I assum since he is 4 he may have a stroller and that would help.

I find that anything memory foam helps. I love the relaxtheback.com. Bought a wedge to sleep on while in hotel rooms and it helps a lot. If you are staying at a Disney value or mod hotel, you may want to get your son something to put on the bed to help sofen it. I just came back from Pop and my back went out on me and the beds were bad. Love Pop hate their beds.
I too have found the memory foam seat couchions very helpeful. Make any seat better. Now Im older and weigh more then your son but it took me years to find these products so I like to share.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip. If there is anything I can help you with, just ask. I be happy to help, Ive lived with Scoliosis for almost 20 years now. Wow time flys.

 

[mechurchlady]

What Sue pointed out is upper body strength. Some rides like Splash Mountain have you hitting a wall of water and flying forward. Without upper body strength one goes flying forward. I did the Rapids ride at DCA and this kid had CP. He was able to do the ride by having mom and dad take turns holding his head up, bracing him and his legs were on his mom's lap. It was a struggle to keep him upright so he could enjoy the ride and boy did he love that ride. Noncommunicative, pshaw, that kid was full of glee and ready for another turn if not for his frozen sister. He could not have ridden some rides because of that tipping forward and no upper body strength.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

I am going to move this thread to the disABILITIES Board where the WDW discussions are (I think you probably meant to post there, so I'll move it for you).

It's hard to say what the Orthopod will say. A lot might depend on how stable your son's back is and how strong his trunk muscles are. Both of those attractions do have warnings for people with neck or back problems/conditions. Splash Mountain has several drops besides the big (5 story!) drop.
BTMRR has a lot of twisting and turning motion.

SueM, I would have sworn that I did post this in the disABILITIES board. Ooops. I'm a dork.

I have ridden BTMRR and SM several times myself. As his mom, I think he could handle both rides. But, since I earned my medical degree on the Internet, I know I always have to get second opinion.

I too have Scoliosis, little back ground on me. Had surgery in 1991 to correct it, long story short, I still have a curve, but it had stopped move so all is good. I think at the age of 31 I have about 43 degree curve.

Not really sure what the doctor will say. If it doesn't hurt your son, I don't see why he count ride them. I don't ride Splash that often due to I don't like getting wet. But I have never had a problem with it. Never gotten hurt and never felt pain afterwards from riding.

BTMRR, I have no problems with that one either. Out of the two my guess is this would be the harder one to ride, because you move around a lot more in your seat. If that would be a problem for your son, maybe you and hold him close to you while you ride. That sometimes help.

I find that anything memory foam helps. I love the relaxtheback.com. Bought a wedge to sleep on while in hotel rooms and it helps a lot. If you are staying at a Disney value or mod hotel, you may want to get your son something to put on the bed to help sofen it. I just came back from Pop and my back went out on me and the beds were bad. Love Pop hate their beds.
I too have found the memory foam seat couchions very helpeful. Make any seat better. Now Im older and weigh more then your son but it took me years to find these products so I like to share.

Thanks for the advice! I had thought if I held him close on BTMRR, it would keep him from scooting around. Also, the advice on the memory foam is great. I think we will put some on his mattress this weekend!

What Sue pointed out is upper body strength. Some rides like Splash Mountain have you hitting a wall of water and flying forward. Without upper body strength one goes flying forward. I did the Rapids ride at DCA and this kid had CP. He was able to do the ride by having mom and dad take turns holding his head up, bracing him and his legs were on his mom's lap. It was a struggle to keep him upright so he could enjoy the ride and boy did he love that ride. Noncommunicative, pshaw, that kid was full of glee and ready for another turn if not for his frozen sister. He could not have ridden some rides because of that tipping forward and no upper body strength.

I'm sitting here full of happiness for that child!!! How sweet.

DS had great trunk strength although I think his arms lack som tone in them. I know one does because he also has radial dysplasia (he's missing the radius) in his right arm.

He did ride Goofy's Barnstormer last year with no problems at all. Wow...that's a rough ride. LOL!!!

 

[Janell]

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Another thing I thought of I use when my back is sore from walking to much or a bad bed. Those heat wraps that you can ware. For me it keeps me from getting stiff.

I found this later in life so I like to share it when I can. When it comes time for your son to work out or get physically fit, look for a physical therapy place. I struggled with my weight my whole life and with the pain it made it harder to work out. I found a wonderful trainer who works with me to make sure everything I do in my work out, doesn't hurt. Its been a blessing. Never thought working out could not hurt my back.

 

[OrthoDad]

We have two sons with cerebral palsy; one has a mild scoliosis, and the other one is in a wheelchair and needs trunk support. We have let them ride all of those rides; we are just very careful to hold and support them, and give them more support on those rides where they need it (Splash and Big Thunder). My boys absolutely love them!

I bet your doc will let you ride, but you should check if you're worried.

Have a great trip!