Like many people, I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, driving, and trying to stay active. Over the years, I’ve also played a lot of golf and completed several marathons. While exercise is great for overall health, it has occasionally left me dealing with back and neck issues.

Recently, after a round of golf, I experienced a severe bout of back spasms that made even simple movements uncomfortable. Rather than waiting for the problem to worsen, I decided to use the Back-Up support service available through my Irish Life Health plan.

The process was surprisingly straightforward. Through the Irish Life Health app, I completed a short questionnaire to see if I qualified for the service. Following approval, I attended an assessment with a local physiotherapist. I paid for the initial assessment myself, and once my condition was approved under the programme, Irish Life Health covered the cost of my next seven physiotherapy sessions relating to my back and neck.

For me, this meant access to expert treatment without having to worry about the cost of ongoing sessions. The programme can be accessed up to twice per year, depending on your plan and eligibility, making it a valuable benefit for anyone dealing with recurring back or neck problems.

I’d also like to give a special mention to the team at Bailey Point Physiotherapy, particularly Diarmuid, who has been fantastic throughout my recovery. The treatment, advice and exercises provided have made a significant difference and helped me get back to normal activities much faster.

If you’re an Irish Life Health member and are struggling with back or neck pain, it’s well worth checking whether your plan includes the Back-Up service. A simple assessment through the app could be the first step towards getting the support you need and potentially saving hundreds of euro in physiotherapy costs.