Oktoberfest rides a spine risk

Rapid rides at the Oktoberfest pose a risk to the spine

29/09/2012

Back pain from Oktoberfest? The experts of the spine league warn of the risks of the popular, especially rapid rides on the Oktoberfest. Dr. Reinhard Schneiderhan, President of the Spine League, has tested twenty different rides at the Oktoberfest in Munich and formed a ranking that should reflect the risks for back patients.

According to the orthopedist, the Oktoberfest attraction with names like Skater, High Energy, Parkour, Break Dancer or Olympia Looping are among the most risky rides for back and spinal disc patients. Due to the Oktoberfest is according to Dr. Schneiderhan annually at this time an increase in „Patients with acute back pain in the orthopedic practices and emergency outpatient clinics of Munich clinics between ten and 20 percent“ to observe. The diagnoses are sufficient, according to the expert „from simple muscle tensions or bruises over massive compression to whiplash and even severe herniated discs.“

Rides brutal for cervical and lumbar spine
The most dangerous attraction at the Munich Oktoberfest after the ranking of the president of the spinal column for back patients is the skater. This one is „brutal for cervical and lumbar spine“, Schneiderhan reports. At high speed, the body is whirled around, many movements are unpredictable and especially the sideways movements for the cervical spine can be critical. Also jerky shocks and abrupt back and forth movements are not uncommon. This insists that „Risk of whiplash as in a rear-end collision“, reports the expert. As the feet hang freely out of the nacelle and swing back and forth during the movement, the lumbar spine in the pelvic region can also tip over. Massive loads on the intervertebral discs are to be feared. Also in numerous other rides Dr.. Schneiderhan comparable risks, albeit often in significantly lower severity. Among the more harmless attractions was the car scooter, even if the risk depends strongly on the personal driving style.

Reckless and incorrect use of rides
Overall, the design of the ride at the Oktoberfest harbors some risks for back patients, but the reason for the frequently registered back pain, disc problems and neck complaints is according to the expert first and foremost the reckless and incorrect use by the visitors. For example, be such „Improper use often caused by too much alcohol, if the reactivity is reduced and the muscles can no longer be sufficiently tense and properly coordinated“, warned the president of the spine league. According to the expert, the subsequent complaints are mainly concentrated on the cervical spine (80 percent of the complaints caused by Oktoberfest rides), while the cross or lumbar spine is apparently less at risk. Not infrequently, the back pain with „time delay often not until the next day“ to, reports Dr. Schneiderhan.

Prevent back pain by exercising
The rides, according to the president of the spine league, are by no means a risk to everyone. In principle, younger people with healthy backs should be able to use all the rides without hesitation, if they make sure to actively stabilize their spine while driving, Dr. Schneiderhan. On the other hand should „Patients already suffering from back pain or disc problems or who are or have been receiving medical treatment“, rather refrain from the fast-paced rides of the Oktoberfest, the expert continues. According to the Spinal League President, the more stressful attractions should also be visited before the beer tent visit, as alcohol significantly increases the risk for the spine in the rides. To prevent the back pain, be „an active strengthening therapy, for example in a gym“ The best method, but several months can pass until the muscles are sufficiently strengthened. A training that has just begun will only protect you in about four months, but then you will be back by October 2013 at the latest, according to Schneiderhan.

Showman angry over the warning of the spine league
The Fahrgeschäftsbetreiber showed little enthusiasm in view of the warning of the spinal league president, especially in the possibly "risky devices spinal and disc patients expressly warned on signs of use." The one or the other may not notice the signs on the Oktoberfest, however, seems extremely likely. The warning of the spine league therefore has its justification. (Fp)