BackProblems/Test Track/Mission Space

[serena]

I couldn't find where else to ask this question on the forum, so I hope this is the right place....

I'm working on our itinerary and in the sections on Test Track and Mission Space they both say not for people with back problems....

I'm wondering what kind of neck or back stresses there are on these 2 rides and/or what part of the ride (what's happening during it) that might be problematic for a neck or back? (for M:S interested in the green version).

Thank you!

 

[PigletIsMyCat]

I have never ridden Mission: Space, so I can't help ya there.

My husband has moderate scoliosis as well as an old lower back injury; he herniated three discs in a car wreck. He rides regularly with no problems, even though he does suffer daily from back pain. I also have had numerous neck and back injuries from two major car accidents (both over two years ago now) and ride with no problems. Best bet would be to talk to your doctor. Test Track has some jerky stop and go parts (it simulates an auto testing facility - think brake checks) and a high speed part, as well as some twisty bits, but is not as jarring as I find some roller coasters to be.

 

[George]

This is just my opinion, I'm not an expert in this, but -

I have a lower back that aches from time to time. If its hurting I don't like things that are jerky/bumpy and TT falls more into that category (along with say Dinosaur and the Safari). These rides can also be tough on a sore neck. Something like M:S doesn't bother me at all. It's a more intense ride experience, but it's smoother. You can find very detailed descriptions of all the thrill rides on this site. Maybe learning about the rides and thinking about your specific concern could be a help?

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

All depends on what / where the back problem is. Disney will post the disclaimer so that guests are aware that the ride is rough / jerks (thus clearing themselves of legal action as it is ultimately down to the rider to make that choice).
I have suffered with lower back pain for 4 years and none of the WDW rides has aggravated my condition (I've never done M:S)

 

[Nemo14]

My DH has occasional back problems, but has no problem with MS or TT. The only ride at WDW that has ever really bothered his back was Space Mountain actually. :shrug:

 

[Mystic]

I have both upper and lower back problems. My lower back will actually lock on occasion because the disks between the vertebrae are not as big as they should be. I have ridden both Mission:Space (both green and orange) and Test Track and haven't had an issue with either ride. I'm more likely to have problems on rides like Space Mountain. Test track has a few bumpy moments like when they're testing the shocks and so on but overall it's a fairly smooth ride. Mission:Space shouldn't really be a problem on either version as it's not 'bumpy' in the sense of being bounced all over the place like in Dinosaur or Space Mountain.

One suggestion for you if you're concerned about how hard it would be on someone with back/neck problems is to have one person in your party who does not suffer from this kind of pain ride the attraction (Grab a fast pass and head on in) first and then give their feedback afterwards. Then a more informed decision can be made by the person with the back/neck pain.

This is not an uncommon thing to do either. I was on Tower of Terror one time and the lady sitting beside me was riding it without her family because they weren't sure if it was suitable for their children so she went on by herself to see what it was like before allowing her children to ride.

Hope this helps! :wave:

 

[Erika]

It really does depend on the types of problems you tend to experience. I have some back and neck problems (old car accident injuries) and have ridden TT without any problems IF it is a day where I am already feeling alright. But on a day where I felt sore to begin with, I would pass.

Enjoy your trip

 

[saltmom1]

I would DEFINITELY STAY AWAY from Dinosaur in AK . Before my back problems became bad, I rode that and my back hurt for 3 weeks. It jerks you from side to side and up and down. I never had problems with MS and have never ridden TT.

 

[miles1]

Strangely, my back problems usually do flare up at Disney, but that's from carrying a week's worth of luggage through Orlando Airport after sitting for two hours in an airline seat designed to acommodate Calista Flockart.

I've ridden just about everything even with a backache. IMHO, the ones you might want to avoid are, like others have said, are Dinosaur (throws you around a lot), and Space Mountain (same thing, though less so). I would add Tower of Terror, since the drop and subsequent stop rapidly decompresses, then compresses your spine. And, believe it or not, you might want to avoid the Barnstormer as well.

I've never had any problem with TT or MS (wimp version). I think Disney sometimes goes a little overboard with the warnings, but they probably don't have any choice.

I hope you enjoy a pain free trip.

 

[Erika]

Strangely, my back problems usually do flare up at Disney, but that's from carrying a week's worth of luggage through Orlando Airport after sitting for two hours in an airline seat designed to acommodate Calista Flockart.

That, and the humidity

 

[Disneyfanman]

Just one more opinion:

My wife suffers from back problems (chronic) and some rides are better avoided for her. She actually does OK on Space Mountain, but TT, Dinosaur, BTM, EE, RRC, and Star Tours are all better avoided for her. She has gone on all of the except for EE, and will probably again (depending on how she is feeling), but they really do a number on her due to the twisting action. Even when we ride Space, we always put it at the end of the day in case she gets hurt at all. That way she wont ruin her day.

I now know exactly what action does it, and sometimes I will ride a new attraction first to give her an opinion. I won't let her anywhere near EE. That would really hurt her.