Research Corner - Q&A Pars Defect by Anthony Carey | Date Released : 17 May 2005 0 comments Print Close Question: I have a client that has a "Bi Lateral Pars Defect" at L3 and L4. What exactly is this, and what can I do to help her? Answer: A pars defect is a fracture or separation of the Pars Interarticularis. This is the small bridge of bone known as the neural arch that connects the facet joints at the back of the spine. A pars defect can be referred to as spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. A spondylolysis is presence of the defect only. Individuals with a bilateral pars defect can progress to spondylolisthesis - a forward slipping of the vertebral body of the vertebra with the defect on the adjacent vertebrae. People can develop a pars defect at a young age and go for years with without pain or limitations. As they age and/or become deconditioned, the body’s compensation mechanisms become exhausted, and they often experience pain that they associate with a specific event. But that event, many times, is the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back. The combination of lumbar extension and rotation are typically contraindicated for individuals with one of these conditions. As always, you should do a musculoskeletal assessment on your client. Pars defects are often (but not always) associated with anterior shear forces acting on the lumbar spine. These shear forces can be seen in individuals with increased lumbar lordosis and poor core function. If your client has not already done so, begin with corrective exercises to address segmental alignment and facilitate proper motor recruitment. It is important you assist her in recognizing inappropriate movement strategies that may be an underlying contributing factor or a result of her condition. Progress to more challenging exercises only after she has demonstrated the ability to sustain lower level contractions over time. There are many great articles available on PTontheNET.com addressing core function and motor learning that can help guide you along the way. Best of luck! Back to top About the author: Anthony Carey Anthony Carey M.A., CSCS, MES is PFP Magazine’s 2009 Personal Trainer of the Year and owner of Function First in San Diego, California and an international presenter on biomechanics, corrective exercise, functional anatomy and motor control and their relationships to pain and function. Anthony has developed the Pain Free Movement Specialist certification and is the inventor of the Core-Tex®. Full Author Details Related content Content from Anthony Carey There is no related content. Please click here to see more... | Lower Back Pain Essentials Anthony Carey | Articles The Core-Tex: Reactive Training & Reactive Variability Anthony Carey | Articles Successful Corrective Exercise Programming Anthony Carey | Articles Myofascial Mobility Through Strategic Movement Anthony Carey | Articles Maximizing Your Minimalist Footwear Anthony Carey | Articles Scoliosis Anthony Carey | Articles Club Foot Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise Is Functional - Part 3 Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise Is Functional - Part 2 Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise Is Functional - Part 1 Anthony Carey | Articles Spinal Fusion and Mountain Biking Anthony Carey | Articles Corrective Exercise for Excessive Standing Anthony Carey | Articles Broken Leg and Scar Tissue Anthony Carey | Articles Prehab for Hip Replacement Anthony Carey | Articles The 80/20 Principle Anthony Carey | Articles Teen Client with Cerebral Palsy Anthony Carey | Articles Knock Knees Anthony Carey | Articles Hip Replacement Anthony Carey | Articles Before the Core - Part 2 Anthony Carey | Articles Before the Core - Part 1 Anthony Carey | Articles Before the Core - Part 3 Anthony Carey | Articles Hip Pain Post Frontal Plane Exercise Anthony Carey | Articles Lateral Pelvic Tilt Anthony Carey | Articles Pars Defect Anthony Carey | Articles Upslip Downslip Hip Anthony Carey | Articles Single Leg Weakness Anthony Carey | Articles Hammer Toe Anthony Carey | Articles Treadmill Dysfunction Anthony Carey | Articles No Cartilage in Ankle Anthony Carey | Articles Sway Back Anthony Carey | Articles Concave/Convex Chest Anthony Carey | Articles Lumbar Spine Injury Recovery Anthony Carey | Articles Lumbar Disc Bulge Anthony Carey | Articles Shoulder Stinger from Rugby Anthony Carey | Articles Risks of Spinal Flexion and Rotation Anthony Carey | Articles Skier’s Achilles Tendonitis Anthony Carey | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top