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.
Dr. Shahab Entezami, BSc, DC, CMAG
Doctor of Chiropractic · Union Health Network, Richmond Hill
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.
Dr. Shahab Entezami is a registered chiropractor in Ontario and a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
Full profile, education & registrationCommon 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.
Fees and What Your Assessment Includes
Current fees are confirmed when you book. Call us or email us and we will give you the exact fee for the appointment you need.
New Patient Examination
Confirmed when you book~45–60 minutes
- Health history and a review of your concerns and goals
- Physical, orthopedic, movement and, where relevant, neurological examination
- An explanation of the findings in plain language
- An individualized plan of care with options discussed
Treatment at the first visit: Treatment may be provided at the first visit when it is appropriate. This is decided during the visit and is not guaranteed.
Complex Case Examination
Confirmed when you bookLonger first assessment (approx. 60–75 minutes)
- Everything included in a new patient examination
- Extended time for multiple or long-standing concerns, prior surgery or several imaging reports
- Coordination of any further assessment or referral that may be needed
Treatment at the first visit: Availability is confirmed with the clinic before booking; treatment at the first visit only where appropriate.
Follow-up Chiropractic Visit
Confirmed when you bookConfirmed when your plan is agreed
- Treatment as agreed in your plan of care
- Reassessment of your progress and adjustment of the plan
- Exercise and self-management guidance
Treatment at the first visit: —
Complimentary Discovery Call
Complimentary~15 minutes
- A short, no-obligation conversation about your situation and whether an assessment is appropriate
Treatment at the first visit: No examination or treatment is provided on a discovery call.
Some services are charged separately from a standard visit — for example focused shockwave therapy or custom orthotics. Any separate charge is explained before the service is provided, and you can decide not to proceed.
Your assessment findings determine what is recommended. You can discuss the options, including cost, before starting any treatment.
Getting the exact fee for your appointment
Fees vary by appointment type and are confirmed before you commit to anything. Ask us directly:
Insurance & Direct Billing
We can submit claims directly to many extended health benefit plans, which means you may not have to pay up front. Direct billing depends on your insurer, your plan and your policy limits — we cannot guarantee that your plan qualifies, and reimbursement is always decided by your insurer.
Chiropractic care is not covered by OHIP. Most patients use employer-provided extended health care (EHC) benefits. It is worth checking your annual limit, your per-visit maximum and whether your plan asks for a referral before your first visit.
If your injury relates to a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury, please call us before booking so we can explain what information your claim needs — how a claim is handled depends on the claim itself.
Bring your insurance card to your first visit and we will do our best to bill directly where your plan supports it.
Getting to the Clinic
On-site parking is available. Enter through the main Yonge Street entrance and follow the signs to Unit 16.
If you have accessibility needs, please call us before your visit so we can help you plan it.
Hours can change — please call to confirm before travelling.
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. Inside Elite Medical Centre, Richmond Hill.
Unit 16, 9080 Yonge St · Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0Y7