Study: Riding roller coasters can dislodge kidney stones

EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 26 (UPI) — Roller coasters could dislodge small kidney stones, according to a new study from Michigan State University.

The study was spurred by years of patients claiming a visit to an amusement park had helped them pass the stones. Urologists at Michigan State put together the study that appears in this month’s Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

“Imagine giving birth to a porcupine,” says David Wartinger, professor emeritus at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, describing the experience of passing a kidney stone.

Kidney stones occur in about 1 out of every 11 people, making them a relatively common problem.

The stones form from a buildup of calcium and other minerals in the kidney and small stones — less than 4 millimeters — can pass thru the bladder and urethra easily, but larger stones can be extremely painful, sometimes requiring seeing a doctor.

The urologists highlighted a patient who claimed to have passed three stones after a ride on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster at Disneyland.

A medium-intensity ride like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should do the trick, the urologists found. They also agreed with coast aficionados that riding in the back gives the greatest affect.