Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and neck issues.

[rodeo65]

My DH has some pretty consistent neck pain and stiffness but he LOVES Aerosmith. He didn't make it to HS last trip and I never got on it with the kids so I can't advise him. How stressful is this ride on your neck and/or back?

 

[kdunkle904]

Pretty stressful! This is a serious rollercoaster. 0 to 60 in 3 seconds, an immediate loop and if he still wants to try wait for a seat in the very front. The farther back you are, the more you get tossed around. That being said it is one of our favorite rides!!

 

[d1gitman]

My DH has some pretty consistent neck pain and stiffness but he LOVES Aerosmith. He didn't make it to HS last trip and I never got on it with the kids so I can't advise him. How stressful is this ride on your neck and/or back?

first i would ask if the neck pain is from some sort of injury or condition. i would definitely be asking my doc or orthopedic specialist what to avoid.

RnR has a pretty intense launch that will put a lot of force on your back and neck. the ride is smooth, but lots of twists, turns, corkscrew. and of course, virtually every coaster has a lead foot on the brakes at the end.

 

[kaligal]

It's worse than some, but better than others.

He should consult a doctor.

 

[nytimez]

I agree -- talk to your doctor. FWIW, I have my own upper back and neck issues, and I ride RnR. I can't go an NOT ride RnR!

But what works for me, may not work for him.

 

[JulielovesDisney]

It's a fairly smooth coaster, but the high speeds and inversions do put a strain on your neck. I would say sit as close to the front as you can. In the back, you get whipped around a lot. Also, keep your back against the seat as much as possible. It's definitely do able if you have neck problems, depending on how bad they are, but just make sure he is prepared for some stiffness for the rest of the day/the next day. It's probably something to be expected.

 

[AndyFL]

I've got a bad neck and avoid some RCs but this one is fairly tame. I always, even on this one, concentrate on holding my head still. Now Space Mountain is too rough.

 

[CleoPahd]

I have Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and must admit I was more sore & stiffer than usual after riding RnRC. I was seated towards the back, so that may have made some difference as others are saying.

 

[grafxgirl]

I find the ride to be pretty smooth. In all honesty, I found Space Mountain to be rougher than Aerosmith's RNR.

 

[AnnetteF]

I would advise him to keep his head back firmly against the headrest. If you don't, your head tends to get tossed around a bit, but I find that if I keep my head steady throughout, I don't feel it as much.

 

[forgop]

I find the ride to be pretty smooth. In all honesty, I found Space Mountain to be rougher than Aerosmith's RNR.

^What she said.

I'm not going to ride Space Mountain anymore. It's far too jerky for my liking, but I think the RnRC is smooth sailing.

 

[rodeo65]

Thanks everyone!! I knew I could count on the DISers to help me out. He was hit by a car while riding his bike as a kid, flipped over it and landed on his tailbone which jarred his neck. He has lower back issues also but his neck always seems to be worse. He doesn't see anyone about it regularly, although he did go to a chiropractor for a number of years. He quit going when it would give short term relief and reached a certain level of improvement but never beyond that. I think DS9 is going to really want them to ride it together, so knowing to sit up front is a great help.

Like others, I also avoid Space Mtn. I klunked my head on it as a teenager and that was it for me. It was the first and last time I ever rode it.

 

[nytimez]

Thanks everyone!! I knew I could count on the DISers to help me out. He was hit by a car while riding his bike as a kid, flipped over it and landed on his tailbone which jarred his neck. He has lower back issues also but his neck always seems to be worse. He doesn't see anyone about it regularly, although he did go to a chiropractor for a number of years. He quit going when it would give short term relief and reached a certain level of improvement but never beyond that. I think DS9 is going to really want them to ride it together, so knowing to sit up front is a great help.

Like others, I also avoid Space Mtn. I klunked my head on it as a teenager and that was it for me. It was the first and last time I ever rode it.

Slightly off topic, but I find Salonpas really helps my neck when it stiffens up, and it's way better than taking painkillers. The only problem is, if you're sore a little high up on the neck, you could rip out the little hairs on the back of your neck when you take it off.

 

[cjb71870]

The head rocking around is after the, to correct, 0-60 in 2.8 seconds.... It might happen when going upside down twice, but Space Mountain is much more jerky than R'nR... Our favorite ride though....

 

[CLR4321]

I also have back and neck problems, and I do ride RnR. I actually do not restrict any rollercoasters or rides at all due to it. What I do is keep my back and head pressed straight, all the way against the back of the seat - always keep your head facing forward! If you keep yourself braced, it will help keep your back and neck straight. I refuse to hold onto the hand bars, as my hands are up in the air from start to finish on this ride...but holding onto them can help brace yourself. For me, riding on rollercoasters actually helps my back, being pressed up against the seat back actually gives it a sort of adjustment! LOL! My dad had the same type of thing when he rode on rollercoasters. I hope he gets to ride on RnR, it is such an awesome ride, especially for an Aerosmith fan!

 

[CrystalCastle]

I had a neck injury 5 years ago and have had neck pain ever since. RnR doesn't seem to bother it at all. Like others suggested, make sure he has his head against the head rest for the launch. The only WDW coaster that gave me trouble was Expedition Everest. Going forward was no problem, but when it switches to going backwards I couldn't take it. Totally bummed because otherwise I would love that coaster.

 

[kimis]

Ask your dr! I had neck surgery where they put screws and hinges in and all I had to wait was 6 months. I will tell you this that of all the rides the worse most jerky ride with my neck was the Dinosour Ride. That really hurt my neck before my surgery and I haven't gone on that one since. I have done RNR and TofT and EE. Also I am only 53 years old but there are a lot of older people on these rides also. Enjoy

 

[FFerret]

Just to throw my two cents in...


R&R for me was THE most painful ride at WDW. Only rode it once, and got my ears boxed HARD by the headrest. Dunno, maybe I'm the perfect height for it while sitting or it just jerked my head at the perfect moment, but OW!!!!!

Be warned Going to give it one more chance in September.

 

[LilGMom]

Like others have said, consult your doctor and make an informed/educated decision.

Having said that I have a bad back & neck and find that Space Mountain will put me out for the rest of the trip whereas RNR doesn't. I keep my head back and looking forward the entire time and brace myself at the end for the stopping. It is fast and has inversions but it is soooo much smoother than Space Mountain. I also find that Dinosaur and PW (in DAK) are awful on my back and BTMRR is a bit rough on my back/neck too.

 

[disnut8]

I have a broken neck and will not do this. I don't do anything that thuds or where I spin without a good brace (I can do Mission:Space since the restraints are so good). I would not recommend it at all.