Pars Defect: The Silent Culprit Behind Adolescent Back Pain - Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

When it comes to unexplained or ongoing back pain in young athletes there's often an underlying reason that hasn’t yet been explored or investigated.

All too often we see the very active adolescent athlete present to our clinic with many months, sometimes years of low back pain that has been fobbed off as ‘just a sore back’ or treated like any other ‘non specific low back pain’.

The adolescent athlete with low back pain will often present having a dull aches that increases in intensity with exercise, feeling a sharp pain, particularly running, jumping, cutting, kicking. They will be quite sore after, deep in the back, aching away. After a few days it will often settle, some seek treatment, and some find some short term relief. Thinking it is feeling better, they get back to exercise, and it just keeps flaring up!

Well I am here to tell you, adolescent back pain is NOT normal.

It is a sign something is not right and it needs investigating. There is something specific going on, because kids and adolescents shouldn’t get unexplained or ongoing back pain.

Often when we investigate these case deeper, we find a lot has been missed by other practitioners. They have just fobbed it off, treated symptomatically and not really got to the root cause of the adolescent athlete with back pain.

Enter the PARS DEFECT! or to us physio’s the pars interarticularis defect.

It’s a bit wordy, but understanding it could be the key to unlocking relief from persistent pain, especially in young athletes and active individuals.

At FightingFit Physiotherapy, we’re all about empowering you with the knowledge and tools to fight back against injuries and stay strong. So here we go, get ready to learn why you kids back pain isn’t getting any better.

What Exactly is a Pars Interarticularis Defect?

The spine consists of bones, discs, nerves, and muscles all working together to support and move your body.

At the back of each vertebra, there’s a small bridge of bone called the pars interarticularis. Think of it like a structural link that holds everything together, ensuring stability while allowing for maximal mobility.

A pars interarticularis defect, often referred to as a stress fracture or defect, happens when there is a crack or stress that causes a fracture in this tiny bony bridge. This defect typically occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine), particularly around the L5 vertebra.

It’s a sneaky little injury that can develop gradually due to repetitive stress or sudden trauma, and it’s more common than you might think, especially among young growing athletes involved in dynamic sports that involve hyperextension and rotation of the spine – think gymnastics, cricket, soccer or even good old footy!

Why Does It Happen?

The cause of a pars defect is often a mix of factors. Repeated bending backward, running, and extension and rotational forces on the spine can lead to microtraumas, which, over time and poor recovery can cause an overload injury that develops into the pars defect.

In some cases, genetics can also play a role, where some individuals might have a predisposition to developing this defect due to the way their bones are shaped or how they grow or a family history.

Spotting the Signs: When to come see US!

So, how do you know if you’re dealing with a pars defect? Here are some common symptoms to keep an eye out for:

Persistent Lower Back Pain: Often worsens with activities like: sport, bending backward, twisting, or standing for long periods.
Tenderness Over the Affected Area: You might notice that pressing on the lower back elicits sharp pain.
Extending the back during a flare up results in a sharp pain that leave a dull ache.
Muscle Tightness and Spasms: The muscles around the spine may tighten up in response to the defect, causing stiffness and spasms.

How Will Physio Help: The Fighting Fit Approach

At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we take a comprehensive approach to managing the adolescent athlete with a pars interarticularis defect. Our team is committed to not just treating the symptoms but addressing the root cause to ensure a strong and stable recovery well into the future.

Here’s how we tackle it:

Accurate Assessment and Diagnosis: First, we’ll get to the bottom of what’s causing your pain with a thorough assessment. We go deeper then other physio’s in taking your history, performing a comprehensive physical examination, reviewing your sports or activity history, and possibly gaining some imaging studies like an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Pain Management and Education: We’ll guide you on how to modify activities to avoid aggravating the defect while focusing on pain management strategies, including hands-on techniques and graded strengthening exercises to support the back and regain stability and strength.
Core and Spinal Stability Exercises: Strength is essential in managing the pars defect. Our physios will design a tailored exercise program focusing on strengthening the deep stabilizing muscles of the spine and core. Think of it as building a robust foundation to support the affected area and prevent future injuries.
Gradual Return to Activity: Once the pain is under control and strength is restored, we’ll guide you through to a successful return to sport or your regular activities, ensuring you can get back to what you love.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Recovery doesn’t stop when the pain does. Our team will continue to monitor your progress, adjust your rehab plan as needed, keep building resilience through strength training in the gym and provide ongoing education to keep you Fighting Fit for the long run.

Wrap Up!

At the end of the day, a pars interarticularis defect doesn’t have to be a showstopper. With the right approach, you can manage the pain, rebuild strength, and get back to living your best life.

Ignoring the pain won’t make it go away; in fact, it could lead to a more serious condition and ongoing life long pain.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t tough it out alone. Reach out to us at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy – we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Remember, knowledge is power, and when it comes to your health, staying informed is only half the battle.

Book your consultation today

Kyle Wells

Kyle Wells is a Physiotherapist at Fighting Fit Physio.

He has a special interest in arthritis, neck pain and tendinopathy. Just to name a few.

Kyle loves cross fit and has an exceptional eye for technique and performing exercise correctly.

He use exercise to improve patient results and get them moving better for the long term.

Brenda Samosa

05:52 07 Nov 24

I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)

Cyana Ferguson

08:16 30 Oct 24

Steve Harris

22:33 15 Oct 24

Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue

Andrea Bell

05:33 19 Sep 24

These guys are the best in the biz 🎉

Ryan Brockett

04:20 18 Sep 24

Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!

Scotty

08:31 31 Jul 24

Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.

Riley Wilson

08:27 14 Jul 24

Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.

Megan Shelley

06:51 03 May 24

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!

Gina Matthews

08:41 24 Mar 23

Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much

Courtney Halse

01:36 29 Nov 22

Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!

Alli Davenport

08:07 04 Nov 22

After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's

Robert Parkinson

10:50 15 Aug 22

This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.

Kiri Canavan

07:30 08 Jun 22

Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

When it comes to unexplained or ongoing back pain in young athletes there's often an underlying reason that hasn’t yet been explored or investigated.

Hip Osteoarthritis: Why It Hurts and How Physio Can Help

The #1 Mistake Athletes Make After an Ankle Injury

The Secret to Beating Back Pain? Walk This Way!

Shoulder Injuries in Motocross: What You Need to Know

OPENING HOURS

HELPFUL PAGES

OPENING HOURS

HELPFUL PAGES

Our GOLD COAST PHYSIO Location

HELPFUL PAGES

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

OUR SERVICES

OPENING HOURS

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED