Just ride the Ferris wheel.
Those are words an adrenaline junky never wants to hear, but it is an unfortunate and familiar refrain heard by someone who suffers from chronic back pain.
If a sneeze can potentially bring you to your knees in excruciating pain, imagine what the twisting, turning rides at a theme park could do to your back.
While your days of riding roller coasters are probably over, there’s still no reason why you still can’t enjoy everything else a theme park has to offer.
From shows to parades to exhibits, the best theme parks have a little bit of everything for everyone. But if you regularly struggle with back pain, follow these tips to make your next trip to the theme park an enjoyable and memorable one.
- Prepare for your trip to the theme park. Now is not the time to make a fashion statement. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with excellent support. Ibuprofen, comfortable shoes, and clothing. Wear a back brace for support, rent a motorized scooter
- Avoid the rides and see more shows and exhibits. No matter how bad you want to ride the new monster coaster, it’s probably a good idea to avoid it. See a show instead. Many amusement parks pride themselves on the entertainment they offer their guests. You could spend the whole day at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and never see all of the shows or parades they offer.
- Take frequent breaks and stretch. The Magic Kingdom, for example, is more than 100 acres. It’s about 2.5 miles to walk around the park from Main Street to Adventure Land, and in between, there is a lot of standing and waiting in line. It can quickly take a toll on anyone with chronic back pain. Stop and find a place to sit down and rest; this is also a great time to stretch your tight muscles to keep them limber.
- Drink plenty of water. Bring a water bottle. There are often drink refilling stations scattered across the park. Buying water each time you get thirsty can get quite expensive. Not drinking enough water can cause your muscles to get tired and cramp. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Pay attention to the signs. Make sure to read the signs at the beginning of the line for each ride. If someone with back pain shouldn’t ride, the warning
Walk your back pain away
More than 80 percent of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. Back pain is also the second most common reason why people see a doctor.
One of the best treatments for back pain is engaging in physical activity more. Walking a little bit each day has shown to reduce chronic back pain. A theme park is a great way to get your daily exercise; however, it’s essential you know your limits and don’t overdo it. Always keep the tips above in mind as you prepare for your trip.
Swim your back pain away
There are some theme parks where back pain is not a big issue at all. A water park is an excellent place for someone with back pain to enjoy some excitement and fun with family and friends. Whether it’s lounging in a lazy river, bobbing up and down in a wave pool, or taking a plunge down a flume ride, the buoyancy of the water reduces a lot of stress off of the joints, including the spine.
As always, consult with your physician before engaging in any physical activity.
