At the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine (CFRS), we often see young athletes dealing with back pain that isn’t just “muscle soreness.” In some cases, the cause is a pars fracture—a stress fracture in a small part of the vertebra called the pars interarticularis.
Understanding this condition, especially how it affects active teenagers and young adults, can help athletes get back to the sports they love while protecting long-term spine health.
What Is a Pars Fracture?
The pars interarticularis is a thin piece of bone that connects the upper and lower parts of a vertebra. A pars fracture happens when that bone develops a crack or break, often from repetitive stress rather than a single injury.
This type of fracture is especially common in sports that involve repeated bending and extension of the spine, such as:
- Gymnastics
- Football (especially linemen)
- Wrestling
- Diving
- Tennis
- Baseball (especially pitchers)
Why Are Young Athletes at Higher Risk?
In growing athletes, the bones are still developing, and repetitive stress can overload the pars region. Because sports often demand powerful, repeated movements of the lower back, tiny stress injuries can build up over time until a fracture develops.
Common Symptoms of a Pars Fracture
A pars fracture may cause:
- Low back pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks or thighs (but usually not below the knee)
- Difficulty bending backward
It’s important to note that not all athletes will experience severe pain—sometimes symptoms can be subtle but still require attention.
Diagnosis
At CFRS, diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. If a pars fracture is suspected, we may use:
- X-rays to look for visible breaks in the bone
- MRI or CT scans for more detailed imaging and to detect early stress injuries
Treatment for Pars Fractures
The good news: most pars fractures heal without surgery—especially when caught early. At CFRS, our treatment plans often include:
- Rest from aggravating activities to allow healing
- Physical therapy to strengthen core and back muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of reinjury
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and inflammation
- Bracing in some cases to limit spine movement during healing
Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for fractures that don’t heal with conservative care or when there is significant instability.
Returning to Sports
With proper treatment and rehabilitation, most young athletes can safely return to their sport. The timeline depends on the severity of the fracture, but the focus is always on healing fully before resuming high-impact activity to prevent reinjury.
Conservative First, Always
At CFRS, we are committed to starting with the least invasive, most effective treatments available. For pars fractures—especially in young athletes—early diagnosis and conservative care lead to the best outcomes, getting athletes back in the game safely and with a stronger spine.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or your young athlete is experiencing persistent back pain, don’t ignore the symptoms. A pars fracture caught early can heal well and help prevent long-term complications. CFRS is here to guide you every step of the way.
📍 The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine
📞 732.380.1212
🌐 myspinedoc.com
