Neck Pain & Headache Care in Richmond Hill
Neck pain and many headaches — including cervicogenic and tension-type — are closely connected. At Union Health Network in Richmond Hill, Dr. Shahab Entezami, DC offers an assessment and conservative, evidence-informed chiropractic options for neck pain, stiffness and related headaches. 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 neck pain, headaches 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 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 Neck Assessment
Consider an assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Neck pain or stiffness that limits daily activities
- Pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull or temple
- Tension in the neck and shoulders after desk work or phone use (“tech neck”)
- Reduced neck range of motion
- Symptoms following a whiplash-type injury
What a Neck Assessment May Involve
A first assessment is gentle and focused on understanding the source of your symptoms:
- A history of your neck, headache and upper-body concerns
- Cervical orthopedic and neurological examination
- Posture and movement assessment of the neck and upper back
- Screening for headache types and red-flag neurological signs
- A discussion of whether imaging or referral is indicated
Conservative Treatment Options
Where appropriate, care may include one or more of the following — selected based on your assessment:
- Cervical spine manipulative therapy (when appropriate)
- Soft-tissue and instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy
- Contemporary medical acupuncture
- Low-level laser therapy
- Neck and postural rehabilitation exercises
- Ergonomic and lifestyle guidance for screen and sleep habits
Reasons We May Refer You Elsewhere
Some situations need medical assessment before or instead of conservative care:
- Neck pain or headache after significant trauma
- Neurological deficits, such as arm weakness or loss of coordination
- A sudden, severe, “worst-ever” headache or headache with fever and stiff neck — seek urgent care
- Persistent dizziness, double vision or unexplained changes
- Cases where symptoms do not respond as expected — outcomes vary and referral may be appropriate
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit we take a history, examine your neck and upper back, 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. Progress is reassessed 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 is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from the neck — often the upper cervical spine and surrounding muscles. It can feel like a one-sided headache that starts at the base of the skull and travels forward. An assessment helps determine whether your headaches are cervicogenic, tension-type, or another pattern requiring different care.
Is neck adjustment safe?
When performed by a licensed chiropractor and appropriate for you, cervical care is generally low-risk. Dr. Entezami reviews your history first; risk is discussed openly and treatment is individualized.
Can “tech neck” be helped?
Posture-related neck strain from prolonged screen use is common. Conservative care and ergonomic and exercise guidance may help reduce pain and stiffness; individual results vary.
How many visits might I need?
Session needs vary by individual. We discuss a plan after your assessment and reassess your progress; there is no fixed number of visits.
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