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.
Common 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.
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 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.
Meet the full team on our Our Team page, and see all booking options on the Book an Appointment page.
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. Serving Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and the GTA.