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Hi! I am writing from France. We moved here "definitivement" in June. We now have our cartes vitales but have not yet used the medical services. I am 76 years old, quite active, do a lot of swimming in the river and walking in the mountains. This year There has been a sudden increase in back pain when I walk up a hill. A friend massaged my back and said the muscles were very tight. He suggested that the size of my belly and the weak stomach muscles were causing the stress in my neck and upper back. I have started to do some simple Chi Gung movements , moving the shoulders and the head from left to right and it is helping. Should I see a doctor in France.? We are returning to UK for 3 weeks in December/January so I could leave it till then and see my GP in Reading.

Most Back pain settles within 6-8 weeks.

Unexpected weight loss, night pain, fevers, incontinence are some warning signs that may prompt sooner investigation and treatment.

I hope that helps

Whilst I'm sure your friend has the best of intentions, there is no substitute for having a proper assessment and diagnosis. I would suggest that without a significant improvement to your symptoms in the near future, you try to get assessed in France.
Kind regards
Stephen

As Dr Bawa says, most back pain settles within a relatively short period, so if yours isn't easing up, it would be advisable to consult a local GP. A physiotherapist/chiropractor/osteopath might be able to help analyse and treat the cause of the pain.