Typical symptoms
- Pain localised below the ribs and above the buttocks
- Worse when sitting, lifting or bending forward
- Stiffness in the morning, easing with movement
- Occasional pain radiating into the buttock or thigh
SPINE CONDITION
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the number one reason Québec patients consult Franchir. Our job is to distinguish a mechanical episode from a serious cause — and to act fast when treatment in Canada is too slow.
Recognising the symptoms
Most acute lower back pain settles within six weeks. When it lingers or radiates, an organised assessment changes everything.
When to consult
- Pain persisting beyond 6 weeks despite rest and NSAIDs
- Recurring flare-ups limiting work
- Sleep disturbance or analgesic dependence
- Imaging suggesting disc or facet involvement
Red flags — emergency
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the saddle area
- Severe pain after a fall
- Fever associated with localised spine pain
Causes and diagnosis
Lower back pain comes from a small number of structures (discs, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, muscles) but each one can be involved alone or in combination. A precise diagnosis is the difference between a generic prescription and a treatment that works.
MRI is not always needed early on. Our nurse-led triage in Montréal identifies who really needs imaging, who needs targeted rehabilitation, and who needs to skip the local waiting list and access a French specialist quickly.
Diagnostic process
- Detailed pain interview and neurological exam in Montréal
- Review of existing imaging (often already done in Québec)
- Additional MRI or X-rays in France if needed
- Diagnostic blocks for facet or sacroiliac joint pain
- Multidisciplinary review before any surgical decision
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
Active rehab in Québec
Specific physiotherapy, ergonomic advice, activity reintroduction. Franchir refers you to trusted Montréal partners if you don't yet have a therapist.
Stage 2
Mini-invasive treatments in France
Image-guided infiltrations, facet rhizotomy, endoscopic discectomy. Day-case procedures in most cases, allowing rapid return to Canada.
Stage 3
Targeted spine surgery
Microdiscectomy, decompression or single-level fusion when conservative care fails. 3D navigation, percutaneous screws and 24 to 48 h hospital stays.
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
RAMQ covers everything you experience in Québec. Franchir does not replace it — we accelerate access to spine specialists when local waiting times exceed reasonable medical thresholds. Many patients have RAMQ for follow-up and Franchir for surgery.
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.