(631) 498-5632 Contact Us

Contact Us

Thank you very much for contacting Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

To best serve your individual needs, please choose from the following options:

New Patient Existing Patient Refer a Patient

Even as summer winds down, amusement parks and carnivals are a draw – especially for families wanting to grab a last thrill before school starts. Some roller coasters and wild rides at these places can wreak havoc on your spine. But with a little preparation, you can join in the fun while minimizing pain.

“Roller coasters and other rides that forcefully throw your body in different directions can be hard on your lower back and neck,” says osteopathic medical specialist Fredrick Wilson, DO of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health. “That is why the amusement parks warn people with known back problems to avoid these rides.”

Why rides can cause pain

A thrilling ride seems like a lot of fun, but roller coasters can cause pain in the neck, and trauma to bones, muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues.

Bending forward, or forward flexion of the spine, along with the twisting and rotation from sudden turns, increases pressure at the back side of the disc where your spinal canal is located. These sorts of movements could lead to pain, especially if you have a history of disc problems, and could cause disc herniation.

Bending backward, or extension of the spine, puts more force on the spinal joints, which can aggravate arthritis pain.

Even some of the “tame” rides can lead to pain later, especially if you’re already tense or sore. Sudden, forceful movements can set off muscle spasms.

How to prevent injury

According to Dr. Wilson, the best way to prevent neck or back discomfort from thrill rides is to follow the principles of good spine health.  It’s important to do regular stretching and strengthening exercises. Stretching before getting on a ride may help loosen tight muscles and reduce risk of muscle spasms.

If you failed to hydrate and stretch and you’re paying the price the next day, take heart.

“Arthritis pain, once aggravated, can be diminished with anti-inflammatory agents,” like over-the-counter medications, Dr. Wilson says. “Muscle strain or minor ligamental strains or tears suffered after a fast, jarring ride will respond to cold packs or anti-inflammatory agents as well.”

SOURCE: http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/07/roller-coasters-how-to-avoid-neck-and-back-pain/


Back to Blog

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

  1. We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.
  2. Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.
  3. Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us

Contact Us

Thank you very much for contacting Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

To best serve your individual needs, please choose from the following options:

New Patient Existing Patient Refer a Patient

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (631) 498-5632.
Contact Us