Can Riding A Roller Coaster Make A Herniated Disc Worse?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you already have a problem like a herniated disc, the movements from roller coasters can cause pain and even lead to new injuries

. If you’re struggling with arthritis, the pain from this condition can become worse due to the extension of your spine that occurs on roller coasters throwing you back and forth.

Who should not ride a roller coaster?

“For young healthy people there is no risk for heart attack and arrhythmias from riding a roller coaster.” But

people with high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, and others with proven heart disease

, should not ride a roller coaster, researchers said.

Can roller coasters cause herniation?

Leaning forward means that when you go through the twists and rotations of the ride, you’re putting additional pressure on the back side of your disc – this can lead to serious back conditions such as a herniated disc.

When should you avoid roller coasters?

There’s a reason for warnings on amusement park rides. If a sign tells you to avoid riding a particular ride

if you have neck or back pain

, it’s crucial you follow this advice to prevent making an existing injury worse. Many rides also warn people who are overweight not to go on the coaster.

Can you get whiplash from riding a roller coaster?


Whiplash is a common injury from roller coasters

because the fast movements, starting, and stopping can easily cause the neck to be thrown forward or backward. Be careful of rides that do not have a back seat that extends up to support a person’s head.

Can you get whiplash from a ride?

Whiplash can also be caused by the following: Sports injuries, especially from contact or high-impact sports such as karate, football, boxing, gymnastics, or skiing.

Amusement park rides, such as a roller coaster

, which can jerk your head quickly backward and forward. Physical assault, such as punching or shaking.

Can I ride roller coasters with sciatica?

Definitely consult your doctor if you don’t know the cause of your pain and if riding coasters would be safe while you are experiencing back pain.

I’d advise Not To Ride

, as the COMPRESSION LOAD in some Turns/Arcs/Loops is up-to TWICE you body-mass!!

How do you brace on a roller coaster?

Once you get up to the roller coaster, take a deep breath and walk over to the roller coaster and just get in, don’t think.

Close your eyes while the worker buckles you up, close your eyes while going up the hill, then scream while going down

.

How do you prevent whiplash on a roller coaster?


Keep your head back when the ride begins

. This is often requested on rides that accelerate immediately but should be recommended for most rides. It will greatly decrease the risk for a neck injury or whiplash and will also keep your head from bouncing around. Follow all park rules.

Why are roller coasters unsafe?

Roller Coasters


Some riders experience headaches and brain injuries from banging their head backwards or side to side on over the shoulder restraints

. Wooden roller coasters are even more hazardous, known for causing back and neck injuries from jolting riders around every track.

What happens to your brain on a roller coaster?


Roller coasters have been reported to cause a type of brain injury, called subdural hematoma

. The motions of the ride can cause blood vessels to rupture in the brain, which produces headaches that cannot be relieved and must be surgically treated.

What are some dangers associated with roller coasters?

Serious injuries associated with amusement parks can include deadly falls; carotid artery dissection and stroke (tears to the major artery in the neck); traumatic brain injury; brain aneurysms; paralysis; drowning; inflatable ride injuries; lacerations, broken bones and torn ligaments; and emotional injuries.

Will motion sickness pills help on roller coasters?

Take Dramamine® Non-Drowsy.


If you know certain rides at the park will leave you feeling nauseous, start taking Dramamine® Non Drowsy as directed 30 minutes to an hour before you arrive at the park

. Try our Dramamine® Non-Drowsy to help you limit your nausea and enjoy the day.

Can you get vertigo from amusement park rides?

April 30, 2010 — People sometimes complain of dizziness or an upset stomach after a riding a roller coaster, but now a new report suggests

the high speeds and sudden turns of this popular ride can also cause ear damage

.

How do you protect your neck on a roller coaster?

According to Dr. Wilson, the best way to prevent neck or back discomfort from thrill rides is to follow the principles of good spine health. It’s important to do

regular stretching and strengthening exercises

. Stretching before getting on a ride may help loosen tight muscles and reduce risk of muscle spasms.

What happens to your organs on a roller coaster?

These brain chemicals, including adrenaline, dopamine and cortisol,

stimulate a natural high and give you a boost of energy that makes you feel more alert, alive and able to scream your lungs out

!

What happens if you leave whiplash untreated?

Because a whiplash injury is a strain on your neck muscles as well as the tendons and ligaments in your neck, untreated whiplash

can lead to spinal misalignment

. When your spine is out of alignment, you can experience chronic structural problems, literally from your head to your feet.

What are the symptoms of neck strain?

  • Pain localized to the neck region. …
  • Achy or throbbing pain. …
  • Sharp pain. …
  • Pain that worsens with movement. …
  • Muscle spasm. …
  • Stiff neck.

What does whiplash look like on MRI?

Some findings in MRI studies of patients with whiplash-associated disorders are

1 , 6 – 8

:

loss of lordosis

.

prevertebral edema

.

ligamentous injury, most often the alar and the transverse ligaments, that may be thicker and with signal alteration, which represents swelling and edema

.

When should I worry about neck injury?

Seek medical care

if your neck pain is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength in your arms or hands or if you have shooting pain into your shoulder or down your arm

.

How do you know if you’ve got whiplash?


Worsening of pain with neck movement

. Loss of range of motion in the neck. Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull. Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms.

Can you ride roller coasters after hip replacement?

High-impact activities, such as running, singles tennis, and basketball are not recommended.

Injury-prone contact sports such as downhill skiing or roller skating are also dangerous for the new joint

.

Where is the safest place to sit on a roller coaster?

The best seat on a coaster, then, is a matter of personal taste.

If you love the feeling of weightlessness, head for the back

. If you want the best view of the action, head for the front. The cars in the middle provide the weakest ride, but it’s a good bet you’ll still have a good time.

Is it better to close your eyes on a roller coaster?

Instead,

close your eyes throughout the ride

. This could help take away some of your fears. Keep your eyes open if you experience nausea. Some people will experience motion sickness while they are on a roller coaster.

Should I wear glasses on a roller coaster?


Many theme park rides require you to remove your glasses before you ride their rides unless you are able to show that they are secured

. Some will altogether refuse to let you bring them on a ride at all. This, of course, really limits your ability to see what’s going on and can cheapen the whole experience.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.