Can I Ride Roller Coasters After Scoliosis Back Surgery?
i had back surgery 4 years ago… i feel fine after the surgery, my back has completely healed. im going to six flags pretty soon, so i was wondering if i still can ride; oh yeahh, i dont have to take medicine or go to physical therapy anymore.
Tags: After, Back, Coasters, Ride, Roller, Scoliosis, surgery
November 28th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hello! I just came back from a 1-year check-up after the Scoliosis Spinal Fusion, and that was the FIRST question I asked!
The answer… Yes! You may. Extremely jolt-y rides, you may not want to, but the smoother rollar coasters and even rougher ones are fine. I saw that other people posted “No”. However, you definetly can! Most Spinal Fusion patients don’t have to take physical therapy at all, and medicine has stopped after the first few months. You are good to go! Have a blast and ride like you’ve never ridden before!
November 28th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
No i too have had this surgery and i was warned by my surgeon to avoid fair ground rides as all that jolting and bumps can undo the surgeons work,
and that would mean more painful surgery for you,so i wouldn’t risk it if i was you its not worth going through that painful procedure again!
but the choice is yours, even though my surgery was a few years ago i have been warned not to and my surgeon has over 35 years of experience so i listen to him.
November 28th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
The surgery was more than 24 months ago, and as long as you no longer still have an active back problem, then it is safe for you to ride the rides at Six Flags. Have Fun!
November 28th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Yes you can because the surgery was not recent.
November 29th, 2009 at 3:25 am
I am one week post -op from spinal fusion/decompression surgery for spondyloloistesis. I do not have scoliosis but I have had spinal fusion surgery. Of course in my current state, being a week or so post-op, I am unable to ride NOW, but my surgeon told me that after I heal up and finish up my therapy, I should be able to ride rollercoasters within 6 or so months. I just have to be completely healed.
I am a rollercoaster enthusiast with a VERY deep passion for rollercoasters and the friendships I have made through this hobby (and attending events with the American Coaster Enthusiasts), so this was the first question that came out of my mouth! Having to give all this up would kill me.
If you feel any doubts or have any odd pains here and there, it would never hurt to ask your surgeon. It sure beats having to repeat any more painful (and costly) procedures. More than likely, however, you should be fine. Only you know your body, and you know your limits. Just take it easy at first.
Start out with less extreme/rough rides, and work your way up as your tolerance allows. That way you know what you can and can’t do.
Hope you have fun on your trip, and congrats on your recovery from your scoliosis surgery!