People love the thrill of riding a roller coaster! Perhaps you’re one of those adrenaline junkies who travel cross-country to experience a new coaster, or simply an indulgent parent who got dragged to Adventureland and thought, “Ride turbulence? Awesome! Sure, why not?”
As coasters become more innovative with new ways to flip, drop, spin, and twist you around, it’s not surprising that the ride is often followed by a sore or back.
Is It Normal to Be Sore After a Roller Coaster?
“Normal” isn’t exactly the right word, but it’s not uncommon to experience soreness or stiffness after riding a roller coaster. Some of the discomfort might be due to a long day walking around a theme park, but the coaster may be partly or mostly to blame for certain types of pain or injuries.
Can a Roller Coaster Cause Whiplash?
Whiplash can occur when a roller coaster causes forceful back-and-forth movement of one’s head, especially while the neck isn’t well-supported. This may cause small tears in the ligaments or tendons of the neck and have symptoms like stiffness, pain, tenderness, loss of motion, headaches, or dizziness. Luckily, chiropractic care for whiplash can help you recover from symptoms and injuries like this.
Can You Hurt Your Spine on a Roller Coaster?
Severe spinal injuries are rare, but roller coasters absolutely can cause back issues. Twists, turns, and sudden speed changes cause riders to lean forward, which puts a lot of pressure on the spine. This can make you feel sore for a day or two after your ride or cause injuries like bulging or herniated disks.
To reduce your chances of injury, stretch before you get on the roller coaster, hold onto the grab bar during the ride, and avoid leaning forward during drops, spirals, and other back-twisting elements of a ride. Be sure to follow any rider instructions and heed all ride rules and warnings.
How Common is it to Get Hurt on a Roller Coaster?
The chances of being seriously injured on a roller coaster are very low, only about 1 in 15.5 million rides, according to the Global Association for the Attractions Industry. However, pain, soreness, stiffness, and headaches after a wild ride are more common.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a chiropractor can pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and address the underlying issues with a treatment plan designed especially for you.
Total Chiropractic Care Helps Alleviate Post-Coaster Discomfort
Total Chiropractic Care has over 25 years of experience in treatments for a wide range of conditions. We offer a variety of non-invasive, drug-free techniques like adjustments, spinal decompression, massage, and more. Whether you’re a roller coaster aficionado or an occasional rider, we will work with you to restore your normal range of motion and alleviate discomfort. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (631) 447-2299.