Low Back Pain Treatment Oakville
At our Oakville chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic, back pain relief is our number one complaint. Did you know that 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives? This staggering statistic highlights just how common—and debilitating—low back pain can be. Get low back pain relief in Oakville now!
We treat back pain every day at our clinic, and Dr. Steve, with nearly 20 years of experience, has developed his own unique protocol for effectively managing and relieving low back pain. Our Physiotherapy Team is lead by Vinaya with over 26 years of experience treating lower back pain.
When you visit Nottingihill Family Wellness Centre, you can expect a thorough diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a detailed game plan—all on your first visit!
Low back pain is a very common injury following a car accident. If your back pain started after a collision, our car accident rehab Oakville program focuses on restoring spinal movement and reducing pain after motor vehicle injuries.
Suffering from low back pain? We can help!
Low Back Pain Anatomy – What Our Oakville Experts Look For
Why Your Lower Back Is Hurting You
The anatomy of the low back is complex, with five lumbar vertebrae, surrounding muscles, the left and right sacroiliac joints, or the gluteus muscles and hip musculature. The joints in our lower back are designed to help us flex and extend (bend forward and lean backward). Additionally, all the important nerves that supply our lower body exit the spinal cord between the joints of the lumbar spine. Trust our team of doctors to provide the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Most patients experience pain due to SI joint compression on a nerve, which irritates surrounding areas like the glute muscles, piriformis, IT band, and ligaments around the pelvis and spine. Some cases of low back pain actually stem from the front of the spine, involving the hip flexors or psoas muscle—but don’t worry, we can fix that too.
If your pain seems to originate from your hip rather than your back, explore our treatment protocols for Greater Trochanteric Bursitis and Hip Pain.
If the pain is higher up, above the belt line, it could be related to your lumbar spine or surrounding muscles like the quadratus lumborum and multifidus, or even a rib subluxation. Don’t wait with un-diagnosed low back pain—get a proper diagnosis and start treatment today. The longer you wait, the longer it will take to heal!
Common Causes Of Low Back Pain In Oakville
- SI Joint Dysfunction – the number one cause of low back pain at our clinic
- Piriformis Syndrome – deep bum pain with possible nerve symptoms down the leg
- Sciatica – severe nerve pain down the leg
- Herniated Disc – low back pain with nerve pain and decrease range of motion
- Lumbar Stenosis – pain with standing upright, patients want to lean forward
Lower Back Pain Relief Oakville – Treatment That Works
Dr. Steve Knighton and the team at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre regularly treat patients in Oakville experiencing both acute and chronic low back pain. Treating low back pain is our practitioners favorite! They use a combination of IFC, Shockwave, and manual adjustments to help patients get back to being pain-free.
Countless muscles attach to and around the five vertebrae, so there’s plenty of opportunity for things to go awry. If this is the case, why do most people come into our clinic with SI joint pain? Take a look at our low back anatomy video to learn more!
Low back pain may originate from lumbar discs, facet joints, surrounding muscles like the piriformis, or nerve irritation affecting the lower spine.
If your low back symptoms are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.
5 Steps for Treating Low Back Pain Oakville
Step 1. Interferential Current Therapy and Heat for Back Pain Relief
Interferential Current (IFC) therapy is a scientifically backed electrical stimulation treatment used to enhance blood flow, reduce pain, and relax muscles. At our Oakville clinic, Dr. Steve Knighton has been utilizing IFC therapy for over 20 years, earning a reputation for his expertise and dedication to patient care. Unlike many clinics that rely on traditional adhesive pads, Dr. Steve prefers the superior effectiveness of vacuum suction IFC machines, which provide a more comfortable and targeted treatment experience.
Our state-of-the-art IFC units use vacuum suction to securely attach to the skin, delivering precise stimulation tailored to each patient’s pain tolerance. When combined with soothing moist heat, this therapy helps to loosen stiff joints, relax tense muscles, and improve circulation in the injured area. This comprehensive approach not only alleviates discomfort but also accelerates the healing process, making it an essential component of our treatment protocols for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Step 2. Shockwave Therapy For Back Pain Relief
Shockwave Therapy is a cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment designed to accelerate healing and provide lasting relief for low back pain. At our Oakville clinic, our chiropractors and physiotherapists use this advanced therapy to target stubborn muscle tension, chronic inflammation, and deep-seated scar tissue that contribute to back pain and mobility issues.
Shockwave Therapy works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, stimulating blood flow, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing pain. Our specialized treatment protocol includes up to 1,500 targeted pulses per session, with intensity levels customized to each patient’s comfort and needs. This non-invasive therapy has been scientifically proven to break down adhesions, improve mobility, and restore function—helping patients get back to their daily activities faster.
If you’re struggling with persistent low back pain, our Oakville healthcare team is here to help. With a combination of Shockwave Therapy, manual therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, we create personalized treatment plans to ensure long-term relief and optimal recovery.
Step 3. Active Release Technique (ART) and Trigger Point Therapy
Active Release Technique (ART) and trigger point therapy focus on treating tight or dysfunctional soft tissues that commonly contribute to low back pain. Muscles, fascia, and connective tissues in the lumbar spine, hips, and gluteal region can develop small areas of tension known as trigger points. These areas may create localized pain, stiffness, or even radiating discomfort into the hips or legs.
During ART and trigger point treatment, the practitioner applies targeted pressure to the affected tissue while guiding the muscle through controlled movement. This approach helps break down adhesions, improve tissue mobility, and restore normal muscle function. Research on manual soft-tissue therapies shows they can help reduce pain and improve physical function in people with chronic low back pain.
By addressing muscular tension and soft-tissue restrictions around the lumbar spine, ART and trigger point therapy can help reduce strain on joints and support more comfortable movement during daily activities and exercise.
Research suggests that manual soft-tissue therapies, including trigger point treatment and myofascial techniques, can help reduce pain and improve functional outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain.
Step 4. Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments For Low Back Pain Oakville
Dr. Steve Knighton has been providing expert low back spine adjustments in Oakville for nearly 20 years, specializing in evidence-based, hands-on treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility. His approach to manual adjustments is precise, effective, and tailored to each patient’s needs.
Manual adjustments help realign the spine, reduce nerve irritation, and improve joint function and relief low back pain. Dr. Steve’s skilled techniques target restricted areas, relieving tension and restoring movement. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, neck stiffness, or joint discomfort, his personalized care ensures lasting relief.
Experience the benefits of expert spinal adjustments—book your appointment with Dr. Steve today!
What Our Patients Are saying About Low Back Pain
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I had a neck injury, and they booked me in on the same day! Steve knew right away what to do and set out a plan to get me back to normal. Steve and the team are amazing :)
Lucija Paric
February 6, 2025Starting seeing Dr Knighton for my frozen shoulder. Using Shockwave therapy along with cupping I am now able to reach over my head and I am pain free for the first time in 3 years. Thank you Dr Steve and all your great staff. I highly recommend!
Susan N (Momsy)
August 7, 2024Dr. Steve is one of the humble person. He always treats you like a friend and pay attention to your problem. Moreover, he politely explains each and every problem and solutions. The staff of this clinic is also very good. All the staff greets you. When you are waiting at... read more
Sanyam Jain
August 7, 2024 -
Dr Steve is friendly, efficient and above all knowledgeable. He’s helped with my plantar fasciitis and is now moving on to my tennis elbow! I never need to wait. His staff are amazing!
Katherine Babb
September 7, 2024so good!!! the people are lovely and the service is so effective! felt results after session one!
lilly montelongo
August 7, 2024One of the best choices I've made! Dr. Steve and his team are extremely warm and friendly, provide great care, and the service is great! I came here to fix my bunions, and I can already feel an improvement after a few sessions.
Elizabeth So
September 7, 2024 -
Dr. Jenn and staff were amazing! Feeling a lot better these days.
Cody Craig
July 7, 2024As a dance instructor, I was suffering from severe pain in my calves and tendons in my legs. Dr. Steve is a true expert in his field. After just one session, I noticed a significant improvement in my pain. I immediately received additional information on how to improve my leg.... read more
cesar gonzalez
September 7, 2024very well organized!!! Dr.very professional highly reccomended!!!
yaroslav dvorskyy
October 7, 2024
Why causes low back pain in Oakville?
Pinning down low back pain to a few causes is impossible. Sometimes it’s one wrong move, like trying to lift a refrigerator alone. Other times, it’s a series of smaller wrong movements that add up over time and lead to pain. It can also result from trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. In some cases, it’s simply from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, causing your spine to rebel against the inactivity. Low back pain treatment in Oakville should begin as soon as you notice the pain. The longer you wait, the longer the treatment will take!
Several factors increase the risk of developing low back pain, including age, fitness level, work-related activities (lifting, vibration exposure), weight, and genetics. Since 2020, the primary cause has been increased computer use and a lack of physical activity.
Read More About Lower Back Pain and Treatment Here
A weak core, inactivity, and long hours at the computer are the main reasons for back pain in Oakville. Dr. Steve’s advice: get up, move around, do 10 minutes of core exercises daily, and avoid sitting at the computer all day!
Low back pain can stem from various structures—joints, muscles, or nerves—and all can cause debilitating pain when they’re at their worst. Read more to discover how we treat lower back pain at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre.
Causes and Treatment of Low Back Pain Videos!
Here is a short list of the most common injuries we get at our clinic that covers 99% of back pain patients. Relief your back pain today!
Oakville Treatment for SI joint Low Back Pain
SI Joint & Low Back Pain Relief:
The videos below cover common diagnoses we see at our clinic. Dr. Steve says, “90% of the back pain patients I treat have SI joint dysfunction.” Many patients don’t have a clear story—they simply wake up one day unable to move. This is often due to sitting too much, whether at the computer or in front of the TV. Some patients can’t lift their legs, feel severe pain when sitting to standing, experience discomfort when rolling over, or have pain when leaning just 15-20 degrees, like to brush their teeth. If this sounds like you, get treatment today. The longer you wait, the harder it is to correct. Looking for back adjustments near me? Dr. Steve is your guy!
At our clinic, both chiropractors and physiotherapists treat low back pain. Our physiotherapy team uses similar techniques as Dr. Steve, but without low back spinal adjustments. Vinaya achieves great results in treating all types of low back pain and creates personalized home exercise programs tailored to your diagnosis.
Quadratus Lumborum Anatomy and Its Role in Lower Back Pain
Quadratus Lumborum Treatment Video:
Treatment for Psoas and Hip Flexor for Back Pain!
IT Band and Low Back Pain Treatment Video:
Oakville Spine Adjustments and Spinal Manipulation For Low Back Pain
One of the quickest acting, effective treatments for lower back pain is spinal adjustments. Spinal manipulation can help loosen stiff joints, reset tight musculature and even help activate spinal musculature that are important for stability. Adjustments are our Oakville chiropractors bread and butter. The quick thrusts of an adjustment create those satisfying popping sounds, which signify movement in dysfunctional spinal segments. Getting adjusted is your best bet to get rid of lower back pain quickly, and keep it away in the future!
Did you know that adjustments are also helpful for people experiencing chronic lower back pain. Spinal manipulation has been shown to reduce pain and improve functioning of the lower back in people who have had longstanding low back pain. This is why Dr. Steve and Dr. Jenn encourage maintenance care (1 visit every 4-6 weeks)!
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open found patients receiving chiropractic care experienced greater improvements in pain and disability compared with standard medical care alone.
Acupuncture for Low Back Pain Oakville
Sticking needles into an area that’s already sore may seem counter-intuitive – but these little needles can work wonders on painful joints and muscles. Acupuncture at our Oakville clinic for lower back pain is safe and effective. The needles are typically inserted along the spinal segments in the lower back and top of the pelvis. The healing response generated from insertion of needles helps flush away inflammatory chemicals, helps trigger relaxation responses in muscles and can calm irritated nerves.
Have you had lower back pain for more than three months? If so, we highly recommend you give acupuncture a try. Acupuncture has the unique ability to boost healing responses that typically slow down after the first few weeks of experiencing pain or discomfort. The body gradually pays less and less attention to healing painful areas and as a result, pain may linger. Acupuncture can be extremely helpful for chronic lower back pain.
Shockwave Therapy Treatment for Back Pain in Oakville
Shockwave therapy has quickly become one of the go-to treatments at our Oakville clinic, see the video above for a great induction to shockwave. Traditionally, shockwave has been praised for being an effective treatment for tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis, but it is also incredibly good at loosening up tight muscles. Shockwave treatment is a lot of bang for your buck. It gets the job done.
Shockwave therapy applies a high-energy acoustic wave to painful areas in order to regenerate and repair tissues. Shockwave treatment helps build new blood vessels (promote healing), reduce chronic inflammation and release trigger points in muscles. If you’ve got tight muscles that are contributing to your pain – we bet they’re no match for our shockwave machine. Great news from our Oakville clinic, we do not up-charge for shockwave therapy! Some clinics charge as much as $200 per visit. Shockwave is included at our clinic by our chiropractors for the $75 treatment. Get in today and see the difference shockwave can make to your chronic pains!
Oakville Low Back Pain FAQs
- Why do I have low back pain?
- How do I know if I have sciatica?
- What treatment is best for back pain?
- What are 3 causes of low back pain?
- How to get rid of back pain asap?
- Do I need an x-ray if I hurt my low back?
- Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist for low back pain?
Low back pain can occur from many things. Lifting, improper posture, falls, sitting at the computer all day and even sleeping. Most patients suffering from low back have an SI joint dysfunction.
Sciatica is when you feel a nerve pain past your knee into your lower leg or foot. This is an emergency and a treatment plan should be given immediately.
The best treatment for low back pain is manual chiropractic adjustments and shockwave therapy. Once the alignment of the back is better and low back specific exercise program can be given.
The most common cause of low back pain is a Sacral Iliac Joint Dysfunction or SI joint. The second most common cause of back pain is a strain of the QL or Quadratus lumborum. The third most common cause of low back pain is either general bad posture, tight hamstrings or tight and hypertonic glute muscles.
Icing is usually the best option for an injury that occurred at home. You can also get yourself in the “Rescue Position” where you lie flat on the floor with your feet up on the couch.
In most cases no, you do not need an x-ray. However, if you had a severe injury or intense pain for no reason at all, an x-ray would be best to determine if there is anything structurally wrong with your spine.
You can see either for low back pain. However, a chiropractor who performs manual adjustments and uses modern modalities like shockwave will get your injury better, faster! Physiotherapist will also help with exercises and stretching to prevent further back pain!
Best Physiotherapy Exercises for Low Back Pain
If you want to get rid of your lower back pain, you need a strong core. We aren’t saying you need superhero strength, but you definitely need to have core muscles that activate the way they are supposed to. We aren’t even necessarily talking about your six-pack muscles either; but rather the deeper core muscles that help keep us stable and supported during our everyday tasks. Check out our Low back exercise page for some help with back pain and get yourself into a proper routine today!
Find Our Beginner and Advanced Core Exercises
Research shows that targeted core stabilization exercises focusing on the deep spinal muscles, including the multifidus and transversus abdominis, can significantly reduce pain, improve spinal stability, and decrease recurrence of low back pain.
Examples of core exercises commonly used for low back pain
• Bird dog
• Dead bug
• Side plank
• Modified curl-up (McGill curl-up)
• Glute bridge
• Pallof press
These exercises focus on stabilizing the spine rather than repeatedly flexing or extending it, which helps reduce stress on injured spinal structures.
Are you in a lot of pain and feel like exercise is out of the question right now? It isn’t. Our Oakville chiropractors and physiotherapists have a long list of exercises to help build core strength. We have exercises for beginners, or those in lots of pain, and more advanced exercises for our gym rats and people who have progressed through the easier exercises and now need more of a challenge.
Read enough and ready to start treatment in Oakville for that annoying lower back pain?
Low Back Pain Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
While most cases of low back pain are mechanical and improve with conservative care, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition. If any of the following warning signs are present, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to rule out more serious spinal or neurological problems.
Seek urgent medical attention if low back pain is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs. These symptoms may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition involving compression of the nerves at the base of the spine.
Severe or progressive weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination should also be evaluated immediately, as these symptoms may indicate significant nerve compression or neurological involvement.
Low back pain following a significant fall, motor vehicle collision, or other traumatic injury may suggest a spinal fracture and should be assessed by a medical professional.
Other warning signs include unexplained weight loss, fever, chills, or a history of cancer combined with persistent back pain, which may indicate infection or other systemic illness.
If you experience severe, worsening, or unusual symptoms with back pain, it is important to seek medical assessment to determine the most appropriate course of care.