When you think of a stress fracture, you probably imagine them developing in your feet or your legs, as these areas handle a fair amount of stress with every step you take. However, your lower body isn’t the only area that is prone to stress fracture onset. Your spine helps to disperse the weight of your body each and every day, and it too can develop stress fractures if it becomes overburdened. When this crack develops on the bony ring on the back of your spinal column, it is known as a pars defect. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how a pars defect is diagnosed and treated.
Pars Defect Causes And Symptoms
Since a pars defect is a form of stress fracture, the most common cause of onset is through repetitive movements or overstress on a particular area of the back. The most common area for a pars defect to develop is in the lower spine, as this area generally handles more stress during everyday movements. Since repetitive stress is typically the underlying cause, the condition tends to be more common in athletes. Gymnasts, runners and anyone who places repetitive and jarring stress on their back can end up developing a pars defect.
It’s also worth noting that genetic characteristics can play a role in the eventual development of a pars defect. Some children can be born with an unnaturally thin pars area, which can put them at a heightened risk for a stress fracture if they lead active lifestyles. These defects are most common in young children and teens, although they can also affect adults.
Symptoms of a pars defect include:
- Mild to moderate back pain
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with inactivity
- Stiffness
- Discomfort that radiates down one or both legs
- Numbness/tingling
- Muscles weakness in the legs
If your child has mentioned any of these symptoms and they have been very active over the last few weeks, consider setting up an appointment with your primary care physician.
Diagnosing And Treating A Pars Defect
During the initial consultation, the doctor will talk with your child about their symptoms, what actions make things worse or better, and when they first began to notice symptoms. They may also review their medical history and have some basic questions for the parent or guardian about the child’s daily activities. They may have a pretty good idea that a pars defect is the underlying issue, but they’ll want to pinpoint the location and size of the fracture with the help of an imaging test. Most pars defects can be appropriately visualized using an X-ray, although a CT scan or similar bone scanning technology may be used.
Fortunately, even if a pars defect is confirmed, your child will likely be able to make a full recovery without the need for surgery. These bones tend to heal very well so long as the area is protected from additional stress, so your provider will want you to shy away from physical activities for a set amount of time. Rest, activity avoidance and posture improvements can all help to protect the spine while the pars heals.
Rest alone will not be the only form of treatment if you are hoping to get back to full strength. After an initial rest period, you will likely be referred to a physical therapist in order to restore strength and stability in the spinal column. When soft tissues and other areas that help support your spinal column are stronger, it can take some of the strain off the pars and protect against future injuries.
Physical therapy is also essential for gradually restoring normal range of motion in the area. As we noted above, pars defects typically make certain bodily movements like bending and twisting very uncomfortable, but you’ll want to get back to making these movements with ease, so slowly improving your flexibility with the help of a physical therapist is a must. Most patients attend physical therapy for 6-10 weeks, but a total recovery and return to contact sports can take six months or longer. Regularly checking in with your care team and your physical therapist can ensure that your recovery stays on track.
For more information about pars defects or other common spinal conditions in children and teens, pick up the phone and reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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