Back and neck physiotherapy: cervical and lumbar spine rehabilitation
Romain Rajkumar, a physiotherapist (masseur-kinésithérapeute) in Paris 3rd, provides rehabilitation for the neck, the back and the lower back. This page explains what treatment involves, how sessions are organised, when to seek care and how reimbursement works.
Treatments offered at the practice
- Neck (cervical spine) rehabilitation
- Back rehabilitation
- Lower back (lumbar spine) rehabilitation
What does physiotherapy for the back and neck cover?
Physiotherapy for the back and neck deals with pain or stiffness in the neck (cervical spine), the upper back and the lower back (lumbar spine). Most back and neck pain is described as ‘non-specific’: it is not caused by a serious disease.
Rehabilitation usually includes exercises for mobility, strength and endurance in the neck and trunk, along with explanations about pain and everyday movements. The physiotherapist may also discuss how your workstation is set up, regular breaks and a gradual return to your usual activities.
How does rehabilitation work, from the first assessment to follow-up?
The first session starts with an assessment. It usually covers your symptoms, medical history, work and activities, followed by an examination of movement, strength and the positions or tasks that bring on the pain. Goals are then agreed with you.
The following sessions combine strengthening, endurance and mobility work with explanations and advice. The practice has a treatment room and a large rehabilitation gym with wall bars, suspension straps, a stationary bike, a rowing machine and exercise balls.
You are given exercises to do at the practice and at home. The programme is adjusted over the course of your sessions, according to how you respond.
When should you seek care for back or neck pain?
Physiotherapy can be useful when back or neck pain lasts several weeks, keeps coming back, or gets in the way of work, sleep or daily activities. Your doctor may then prescribe sessions.
See a doctor promptly, or call 15 (or 112) in an emergency, if the pain comes with:
- fever, unexplained weight loss or unusual tiredness;
- weakness, numbness or pins and needles in an arm or a leg;
- bladder or bowel problems, or loss of sensation around the genitals or buttocks;
- chest pain or shortness of breath;
- a sudden, severe headache, dizziness, or problems with vision or speech;
- pain that started after a fall or an impact;
- constant pain that is getting worse and does not ease with rest.
Do you need a prescription, and how do you book?
To be reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie (French national health insurance), physiotherapy sessions need to be prescribed by a doctor. Bring your prescription to the first session, along with your carte Vitale and any test or scan reports you have.
The practice is conventionné (contracted with the Assurance Maladie) and offers tiers payant (direct billing) for the Sécurité sociale share. Your mutuelle (complementary health insurance) may add to the reimbursement. A session costs €38 to €42. The assessment added to the first session costs €20 to €23.
Appointments are booked on Doctolib only. Consultations are in English or French, at Cabinet Beaubourg, 50 rue Rambuteau, 75003 Paris (5th floor, with a lift). Phone: 01 48 04 32 84.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an X-ray or MRI before starting physiotherapy?
Not necessarily. For back or neck pain without warning signs, imaging is generally not needed before starting rehabilitation. Your doctor decides whether a scan is useful. If you already have one, bring the report to your first session.
Should I rest when my back hurts?
Prolonged bed rest is not recommended for non-specific low back pain. Guidelines from the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS), the French national health authority, advise staying active as far as the pain allows and gradually returning to your usual activities. Follow your doctor’s advice.
What can a physiotherapist do for neck or back pain from desk work?
A physiotherapist can give advice on setting up your workstation, taking breaks and changing position, and suggest mobility and strengthening exercises for the neck and back. There is no single correct posture to hold all day: changing position regularly is generally advised.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your situation. The number of sessions may be stated by the doctor on the prescription. If it is not, the physiotherapist proposes a number after the assessment, based on the goals agreed with you, and reviews it as rehabilitation progresses.
Practical information
- Address
- Romain Rajkumar, physiotherapist
Cabinet Beaubourg,
50 rue Rambuteau,
75003 Paris.
5th floor, lift available - Opening hours
-
- Monday 9am to 7pm
- Tuesday 8.30am to 7pm
- Wednesday 9am to 7pm
- Thursday 9am to 7pm
- Friday 9am to 5pm
- Fees
-
- Physiotherapy session €38 to €42
- Assessment (added to the first session) €20 to €23
Contracted with French national health insurance, Direct billing to the Sécurité sociale, Carte Vitale accepted.
- Contact
- 01 48 04 32 84
romain.ro24@gmail.com
You can book an appointment at Cabinet Beaubourg, Paris 3rd, on Doctolib.