Typical symptoms
- Persistent back or neck pain for more than 3 months
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
- Disturbed sleep, irritability, low energy
- Loss of confidence in your body
SPINE CONDITION
Chronic spine pain
Back or neck pain is called chronic when it lasts more than three months. It rarely has a single cause and rarely has a single fix. Our role is to identify what actually drives the pain, and to combine the right answers — rehabilitation, mini-invasive treatment, and surgery only when truly indicated.
Recognising the symptoms
Chronic pain disrupts sleep, mood and work. It deserves a structured assessment rather than another round of generic painkillers.
When to consult
- Failure of two or more rehabilitation programmes
- Long-term reliance on painkillers
- Sick leave or work limitation
- Anxiety or depression linked to pain
Red flags
- Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
- Fever associated with localised pain
- New neurological symptoms
- Pain after a recent fall or trauma
Causes and diagnosis
Chronic spine pain is usually a layered story: degenerative changes, deconditioning, postural overload, sleep deprivation and sometimes nociplastic sensitisation. Imaging findings rarely tell the whole truth — many adults have disc bulges on MRI without any pain.
Our diagnostic work focuses on three questions: is there a precise pain generator? Are there red flags? And what truly limits your daily life? Answering them shapes a personalised plan rather than a one-size-fits-all surgery.
Diagnostic process
- Structured pain interview and functional assessment
- MRI or CT scan when not already available
- Diagnostic blocks (facet, nerve root) to identify the pain generator
- Multidisciplinary review: surgeon, pain specialist, physiotherapist, psychologist
- Personalised treatment plan with realistic objectives
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
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
Active rehabilitation, graded exposure to movement, sleep and stress management, optimisation of analgesics. Foundation of chronic pain care.
Stage 2
Mini-invasive treatments
Image-guided infiltrations, facet rhizotomy or radiofrequency ablation when a specific pain generator is confirmed by diagnostic blocks.
Stage 3
Targeted spine surgery
Considered only when imaging shows a clear lesion that explains the pain and conservative care has failed. Mini-invasive techniques are preferred to limit recovery time.
Surgical technology
Why choose Franchir
Treated in 4 to 8 weeks
Dedicated international slots reserved with our French partner surgeons — no 12 to 18 month waiting list.
3D navigation & robotics
Minimally invasive procedures, intra-operative imaging and the latest implants — often unavailable locally.
Fully bilingual pathway
Coordination from Montréal to France in French and English, with your home physician kept in the loop.
Transparent quote
Detailed pricing before any procedure, insurance support and no hidden fees.
Your journey, step by step
Step 1
Initial review
45-minute appointment with our clinical nurse specialist to review imaging, symptoms and history.
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
Coordinated follow-up
Post-op recovery in Québec with shared follow-up between Franchir's team and your home physician.
Frequently asked questions
Surgery can be highly effective when there is a clear, structurally identified pain generator. For diffuse, multifactorial pain without a clear target, a multidisciplinary programme produces better outcomes than operating.
Check your eligibility
Send us your imaging and medical history. A specialist reviews your file and confirms whether surgery is the right option — for free.