Dangers of Bumper Cars for the Neck, Back, & Spine
Bumper cars may seem to be a fun-filled amusement park ride where everyone steps into a journey where they can bump into each other without any consequences, or is it? Bumper cars may actually end up causing you harm in more ways than one. Now, we’re not trying to rain on anyone’s parade when it comes to enjoying summertime festivals and fairs, yet you’ll want to think twice about jumping in a bumper car after reading this post.
Bumper Cars: Mini Car Accidents
Essentially what bumper cars replicate is the act of a car accident. Anyone can tell you being in a car accident, even a mild car accident is not good for the neck, back, or spine. The most common injury from being in a mild car accident and riding in bumper cars at a fair is whiplash. However, there can be many more injuries associated with bumper cars if you’re not careful.
Potential Injuries from Bumper Cars
Below is a list of potential injuries from riding in a bumper car:
Whiplash
Whiplash, as stated above, is the most common injury associated with riding in bumper cars. This is primarily due to the forceful nature of one bumper car colliding into another when you least expect it. Thai action of force causes your neck to potentially experience a whiplash effect, resulting in a whole host of potential injuries if severe enough.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc may occur from riding in a bumper car if you’re particularly vulnerable or the bumper car itself hits you at a faster than normal pace. Herniated discs are no laughing matter. Herniated discs, while usually able to resolve themselves with rest, time, and healing; may end up requiring surgery in rare circumstances.
Concussion
If you’re riding in a bumper car with a friend or family member, you may end up bonking heads with strong force if you’re t-boned by another bumper car. This t-bone style of ramming another bumper car perpendicularly into your bumper car mimics the act of an intersection traffic accident. This could result in a mild concussion.
Broken Bones
Broken bones may occur, especially in the wrist and hand area if you’re not careful. This is in large part due to the forceful nature of another bumper car striking your bumper car, and your strong grip on the steering wheel of your bumper car. If you happen to have a weakened wrist, you may end up with a wrist fracture from the resulting impact.
Muscle & Tissue Damage
Muscle and tissue damage may occur from the repeated knocking, banging, and bumping of the bumper cars; particularly in the lower to mid back region. The repeated impacts may uproot some old injuries as well if you’re prone to back injuries or muscle spasms.
Contact Us if You’re Experiencing Pain & Discomfort After Riding in Bumper Cars
We want everyone to enjoy summer festivity and fun, yet if you’re considering riding in a bumper car and you’ve experienced an injury in your neck, back, spine, or wrists in the past; you may want to reconsider. If you’ve already ridden in a bumper car and are experiencing prolonged pain and discomfort, you’ll want to book an appointment with us to see how we can help restore your health.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.