Typical symptoms
- Sudden, sharp lower back pain after a movement
- Muscle spasm, locked posture
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Pain peaks within 24 to 48 hours
SPINE CONDITION · NORWAY PATHWAY
Degenerative disc disease
Wear of one or more discs causes chronic lumbar pain that resists conservative care. France leads in disc replacement — Franchir helps Norwegian patients access these motion-preserving options without years of waiting.
Recognising the symptoms
Lumbago is short, intense and frightening but rarely dangerous. Persisting symptoms, however, deserve a structured assessment.
When to consult
- Pain persisting beyond 7 to 10 days
- Recurring episodes within a few months
- Radiating pain into the leg
- Functional limitations at work or home
Red flags — emergency
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the saddle area
- Severe pain after trauma or fall
- Fever associated with the pain
Causes and diagnosis
Acute lumbago is most often a muscle, ligament or facet joint flare-up triggered by an awkward movement. In some cases the underlying cause is a herniated disc or a degenerative facet — invisible until the trigger event.
Imaging is not needed in the first weeks of a simple episode. It becomes essential if pain persists, radiates or recurs — exactly when Franchir steps in to fast-track an MRI and a specialist opinion.
Diagnostic process
- Detailed history of the trigger and previous episodes
- Remote neurological history and symptom review
- MRI when episodes persist or recur
- Standing X-rays for instability suspicion
- Multidisciplinary review before any intervention
Treatments we offer
We always start with the least invasive option that delivers durable relief. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative care has failed or red flags are present.
Stage 1
Acute management
Stay mobile, avoid prolonged bed rest, use NSAIDs and muscle relaxants short-term, apply heat. Most episodes settle within 4 to 6 weeks.
Stage 2
Targeted rehabilitation
Specific physiotherapy and motor control work to prevent recurrence. Adjustments to workstation and movement habits.
Stage 3
Specialist intervention
When attacks recur or a structural cause appears on MRI, Franchir routes you to a French spine surgeon for infiltration, mini-invasive treatment or surgery.
Why choose Franchir
Treated in 6 to 8 weeks
Dedicated international slots with French partner surgeons — not a 3 to 12+ month public queue.
3D navigation & robotics
Minimally invasive procedures, intra-operative imaging and the latest implants — often unavailable locally.
English pathway from Norway
Remote assessment, teleconsultation and coordination in English, with your fastlege kept in the loop.
Transparent quote in EUR
€700 file review, detailed pricing before any procedure, behandlingsforsikring support and no hidden fees.
Your journey, step by step
Step 1
Remote assessment
Structured video review of your imaging, symptoms and history — from Norway, before any travel.
Step 2
Specialist file — 48 h
Your case is shared with the most relevant French spine surgeon. Treatment plan delivered within 48 hours.
Step 3
Travel & surgery
Concierge organises stay, transport and admission. Surgery takes place in a partner centre of excellence.
Step 4
Follow-up with fastlege
Post-op recovery in Norway with shared follow-up between Franchir's team and your fastlege.
Frequently asked questions
Not usually. For a first simple episode, the priority is symptomatic care and mobility. MRI becomes useful when pain persists past 4 to 6 weeks, radiates into a leg or comes back rapidly.
Check your eligibility
Send us your imaging and medical history. A specialist reviews your file and confirms whether surgery is the right option.