Low Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment in Richmond Hill
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek conservative musculoskeletal care. At Union Health Network in Richmond Hill, Dr. Shahab Entezami, DC offers an assessment and evidence-informed, conservative options for low back pain and sciatica. Treatment is selected based on your assessment, preferences and clinical needs — individual results and treatment needs vary.
Common Reasons People Seek a Low Back Assessment
Consider an assessment if you experience any of the following:
- New or recurring low back pain — acute or long-standing
- Pain that radiates into the buttock, thigh or lower leg (sciatica)
- Pain that worsens with sitting, standing or specific movements
- Morning stiffness in the lower back
- Aching after activity or prolonged sitting
- A history of disc herniation, sacroiliac or facet-related pain
What an Initial Assessment May Involve
A first assessment focuses on understanding what is contributing to your pain and ruling out concerns that need medical care:
- A health history and review of how your pain started and behaves
- Orthopedic and neurological examination of the spine and legs
- Movement, posture and gait assessment
- Screening for red-flag signs that warrant urgent medical referral
- A discussion of whether imaging is indicated — it often is not needed initially
Conservative Treatment Options
Where appropriate, care may include one or more of the following — selected based on your assessment:
- Lumbar spinal manipulative therapy
- Soft-tissue and myofascial therapy
- Contemporary medical acupuncture
- Focused shockwave therapy for some chronic cases
- Rehabilitation and core-stabilization exercises
- Ergonomic and lifting guidance
Red Flags — When to Seek Urgent Care
Some symptoms need prompt medical assessment rather than conservative care. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or changes in sensation around the saddle area
- Numbness or progressive weakness in the legs
- Severe or unexplained weight loss, fever or night pain
- Pain following significant trauma
- Symptoms that change rapidly — a referral to a physician or specialist may be appropriate, and in some cases surgery is considered
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit we take a history, perform an examination, and explain our findings in plain language. There is no obligation to begin treatment.
We discuss what your assessment suggests, what care may include, and realistic expectations. We reassess your progress over time; individual response varies.
No referral is needed. Patients come to us from Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Your Provider
Dr. Shahab Entezami, BSc, DC, CMAG
Doctor of Chiropractic · Certification in Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (McMaster)
Dr. Entezami is a licensed chiropractor in Ontario with a focused clinical interest in low back pain and spine care. He is a registered chiropractor with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
He offers assessment and conservative care at Union Health Network in Richmond Hill, and refers promptly when a concern is outside the scope of chiropractic management.
Meet the full team on our Our Team page, and see all booking options on the Book an Appointment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica often involves compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve and can be associated with disc herniation, foraminal narrowing or, less commonly, piriformis syndrome. An assessment helps narrow down the cause; individual presentations differ.
Is spinal manipulation safe?
When performed by a licensed chiropractor, spinal manipulation is generally considered low-risk. Dr. Entezami reviews your health history before treatment. Serious complications are rare.
When should I see a doctor urgently?
Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms such as bladder or bowel changes, saddle-area numbness, progressive leg weakness, fever with back pain, or pain after serious trauma.
Do I need imaging for low back pain?
Imaging is often not needed initially and is typically reserved for red flags or persistent symptoms. Your assessment helps determine whether imaging or referral is appropriate.
Selected clinical sources
The clinical information above reflects general guidance. Care at our clinic is based on your individual assessment; individual results and treatment needs vary.
Ready to book?
New patients welcome — no referral needed. Serving Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and the GTA.