Last Reviewed by: Dr. Steve Knighton | March 16, 2026
Headache Treatment Oakville
How Can a Chiropractor In Oakville Fix My Headaches?
Dr. Steve Knighton has been treating headaches at his Oakville clinic for nearly 20 years. His expertise are in tension, migraine headaches and headaches coming from your jaw. Over the last 20 years he has developed his own headache treatment program which includes more than just adjustments.
Spinal manipulation, Adjustments, Shockwave Therapy, specific exercises and Massage Therapy are all part of the guidelines for the treatment of headaches, but did you know acupuncture in Oakville can also help?
Many headaches actually originate from tension and dysfunction in the cervical spine, which is why proper neck pain treatmentis often necessary to fully resolve the problem.
Patients also visit our Oakville clinic from nearby communities including Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga when searching online for effective headache treatment near them.
If your headaches are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville. If you were in a car accident and suffered whiplash call today to get the treatment you need!
If you are diagnosed with a headache that is coming from your cervical spine(Cervicogenic Headache) our chiropractors have an entire protocol built for you. Once treatment has started you will most likely be advised to limit your screen time, increase your physical activity, and start using a cervical wedge. The Cervical Wedge can be used daily for up to 10 minutes at a time. We recommend these cervical wedges from Amazon. To use the wedge, follow the instructions on the box, but its as easy as lying on the floor, placing the wedge behind your cervical column , and playing on your phone. We usually recommend starting at a minute a two and working your way up to 10 minutes a day.
very well organized!!! Dr.very professional highly reccomended!!!
yaroslav dvorskyy October 7, 2024
Dr.Jenn is a very caring and skilled chiropractor. She has a gentle yet highly effective touch. I have been to her for two separate issues and both have resolved nicely. I would highly recommend her to anyone. The clinic staff are very friendly and helpful as well.
Sandra Chiang June 7, 2024
Dr. Steve is the coolest guy ever. He was so kind and communicative to me. My first experience ever going to a chiropractor and I was very nervous because physical contact makes me anxious. He talked me through everything, asked permission before every position and checked in on my comfort... read more level often. Very professional and fun guy, highly highly recommend his services. He’s also super honest and good at what he does as well. He’s going to be direct in correcting activity that contributes to your pain. I left feeling mentally and physically super cared for. Very refreshing health care services
Katie Chris February 6, 2025
The staff and the doctors at this place are amazing. My husband and I both have had really good experience with 2 different doctors here. After years of suffering and going to different practitioners finally Dr. Jenn worked magic on my lower back pain and neck. I've... read more finally felt relief after years.
amal farooq October 7, 2024
Dr. Jenn is terrific and has helped me so much over the years. She is very progressive and uses many different methods (technology, acupuncture, tools) to go beyond traditional chiropractic and resolve issues (acute and chronic). I also like how her office direct bills my insurance for me. Highly recommend!
Dr. Alison MacDougall November 7, 2024
Steve and his team are absolutely amazing. Very efficient. Absolutely knowledgeable and corrected my issue Very quickly. Steve and team are so friendly and such positive high energy in the office. Love seeing everyone 💕
Linda Paul December 7, 2024
Starting 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, 2024
I was initially reluctant to try another chiropractor after a series of bad experiences that left me in more pain. However, my husband visited Dr. Steve at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre following a scary knee injury and had nothing but amazing things to say about his care. He booked me... read more an appointment, and I've been looking forward to my sessions ever since. I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service from the staff, who assist every step of the way, provide thorough follow-ups, and patiently answer every question I have. Dr. Steve is the most professional and knowledgeable chiropractor I've ever encountered. He takes the time to explain the process every step of the way and builds a relationship of trust with each patient, ensuring you leave feeling better. I was so impressed with the improvement in my back pain after just one session that I encouraged my teenage children to book sessions with Dr. Steve as well. One has an ankle injury from basketball, and the other has a shoulder injury from work. Both are more committed to their sessions more than anything else and have experienced significant improvement. Dr. Steve excels not only during treatments but also in providing detailed and thorough follow-up instructions. This morning, after a wrong move, I injured my back and had difficulty walking. I called Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre to see if I could see Dr. Steve urgently due to the pain. They booked me an appointment and stayed open past their closing time to accommodate me. I entered the clinic barely walking and left feeling ready to rock and roll (though I won't!). I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you, Dr. Steve, and the whole Nottinghill team, for being so wonderful! Ingy
Ingy ES September 7, 2024
Another great experience, thanks for keeping me going!
Guillaume Grincourt June 7, 2024
4 Steps for Treating Headaches at our Oakville Clinic
Once the proper diagnosis has be given and the headaches are coming from your cervical spine or your jaw!
Step 1. Interferential Current Therapy Headaches (IFC):
At our Oakville clinic, we combine therapeutic heat and Interferential Current (IFC) at the same time for maximum effect. The heat relaxes tight muscles while increasing blood flow, allowing the IFC to work deeper and more comfortably.
IFC feels like a deep, rhythmic massage inside the muscle. It helps calm irritated nerves, reduce muscle spasm, and improve circulation — all common contributors to tension and cervicogenic headaches.
Dr. Steve and Dr. Jenn use vacuum suction IFC, not standard sticky pads. The gentle suction lifts the tissue while delivering stimulation deeper into the muscle, improving blood flow and helping the area relax faster.
We don’t use this treatment just to mask headache pain. We use it to settle the muscles and nerves so we can address the root cause of your headaches — whether it’s posture strain, jaw tension, or upper spine restriction.
This is often Step 1 in our structured 4-step headache treatment plan.
Step 2. Shockwave Therapy for Headache Treatment:
Shockwave therapy is a pneumatic device that delivers rapid acoustic pulses into tight, irritated muscle tissue. The applicator head moves quickly — up to 15 pulses per second — stimulating the area to break up scar tissue, improve blood flow, and reduce chronic muscle tension.
For most upper trapezius treatments, we deliver between 800–1200 pulses per side. If your headaches are coming from prolonged posture strain or mid-back tightness, we may also treat the thoracic spine and the inner shoulder blade muscles.
In cases of chronic cervicogenic headaches, Dr. Steve and Dr. Jenn often use a lighter intensity setting around the upper cervical spine and suboccipital muscles. This area requires precision and control, and when treated properly, can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Shockwave helps reset chronically tight muscles so the spine can move properly — allowing us to address the true source of your headaches, not just the symptoms.
Step 3. Active Release and Trigger Point Therapy for Headaches
This is not a relaxing spa massage.
When our chiropractic team finds tight, tender trigger points in your cervical vertebrae, jaw, or upper shoulders, we treat them directly. Active Release Therapy (ART) involves applying precise pressure to the muscle while moving it through specific ranges of motion. This helps break up adhesions, release trapped nerves, and restore normal muscle function.
Most patients receive several focused passes on each involved muscle. The ART treatment can feel intense — especially on chronically tight areas — but it is controlled and highly targeted.
Releasing these trigger points is critical for headache sufferers. Tight suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius tension, and jaw restriction are common drivers of cervicogenic and tension headaches. If these muscles stay tight, the headaches keep coming back.
ART helps reset the tissue so we can correct the underlying mechanical problem — not just temporarily ease the pain.
Step 4. Chiropractic Cervical Spine Adjustment for Headaches Oakville:
Everything we do before this point — heat, IFC, shockwave, and muscle release — is designed to prepare the tissue and the spine for a chiropractic adjustment. Tight muscles guard and protect restricted joints. If you adjust too early, the body resists. If you prepare properly, the correction holds.
This is where Dr. Steve and Dr. Jenn shine.
In most headache sufferers, one or two joints in the cervical spine become restricted or “locked.” When those joints don’t move properly, they create inflammation, muscle guarding, and nerve irritation — all of which can trigger tension or cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractic Adjusting these joints can help relieve headache pain!
A precise cervical adjustment restores motion to those restricted joints. When movement returns:
• Pressure on irritated nerves decreases • Muscle tension reduces • Inflammation settles • Headache frequency often drops dramatically
We’ve consistently found better, longer-lasting results using this structured approach instead of performing a upper cervical spine adjustment alone.
When the joint moves properly again, the surrounding muscles finally relax — and the headache cycle can stop.
What types of headaches are treated by our Oakville clinic?
Tension Headache Treatment:
Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the eyes and forehead. Typically they are felt on both sides of the head at the same time, in the temporal area and behind the eyes. Jaw dysfunction and clenching can also contribute to headaches, particularly when the temporomandibular joint becomes irritated or inflamed.
Migraine Headaches Oakville:
Migraine headaches are usually a throbbing pain felt on one side of the head. Migraines can have associated nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sensitivity to sound. Headaches can be the result of referred pain from tight muscles in the upper cervical spine and back of the shoulders, or be caused by stuffy sinuses! There are over 100 types of headaches in total, all with different causes and symptoms!
Headaches From The Jaw:
Sometimes, headaches can come from the jaw or TMJ and can cause changes in the patients bight pattern and jaw tracking. There can be audible pops and clicking at the jaw joint and in most cases there is a severe muscles tension/tightness in the muscles of the jaw that project in and around the ear and to the anterior cervical region.
If you think you are suffering from Jaw or TMJ type headaches check out our TMJ TREATMENT for headaches in Milton, Burlington and Mississauga,.
Headaches can truly ruin your day, whether they’re migraines, tension-type, or sinus headaches—they’re the absolute worst. Our Oakville acupuncture team sees many patients who suffer from chronic headaches yet don’t seek treatment. That means experiencing over 15 headaches a month for more than six months—that’s crazy! Dr. Jenn is our life experience headache guru for acupuncture!
The good news is that acupuncture at our Oakville clinic can help with all kinds of headaches. Treatment almost always includes a point in the hand that helps relieve pain in general, as it’s a powerful natural painkiller that can be used for various conditions. For headaches specifically, acupuncture targets points in the back of the head and cervical region, and for most patients, gentle electrical stimulation is applied to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
If you’re dealing with sinus headaches or pain in the forehead region, acupuncture can provide relief as well. The needles used on the face are very small and fine, ensuring a painless insertion. Most treatments last about 15–20 minutes, allowing you to simply relax while the needles do the work!
Our Oakville clinic regularly treats patients experiencing chronic headaches, tension headaches, and migraines from across Halton Region and the western GTA. While many patients live locally in Oakville, we also see individuals who travel from nearby communities including Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga when searching online for effective headache treatment near them.
In some patients, nerve compression between the cervical spineand shoulder known as thoracic outlet syndrome can contribute to headaches and upper backpain.
Many headaches are related to underlying issues involving the cervical column, upper back, jaw, and surrounding muscles. At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, our approach focuses on identifying the root cause of the headache rather than simply masking symptoms. Treatment may include chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, and targeted rehabilitation exercises designed to improve posture, reduce muscle tension, and restore normal joint movement.
Patients from Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga often visit our Oakville clinic for this comprehensive approach to headache treatment, particularly when headaches are linked to cervical joint dysfunction, muscle tension, or TMJ related problems.
Headaches are often related to tension, posture problems, or TMJ dysfunction, which is why our Oakville clinic focuses on identifying the underlying cause of headaches rather than simply masking symptoms.
Are Your Headaches Coming from your Computer or Desk Setup?
In today’s digital world, many headaches are related to long hours spent sitting at a computer. At our Oakville clinic, our chiropractic team frequently sees patients who have been dealing with persistent headaches for months or even years before realizing that their daily posture at the computer may be a major contributing factor. This is trademark TEXT NECK! Poor workstation setup and prolonged forward head posture can place significant stress on the muscles and joints of the cervical column and upper back, which can eventually lead to chronic tension headaches.
When your head moves forward while working at a computer or looking down at a screen, the muscles at the base of the skull and the upper cervical spine must work much harder to support the weight of the head. Over time this constant strain can irritate the cervical spine, tighten surrounding muscles, and contribute to headaches that often start at the back of the head and spread toward the temples or forehead.
At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre in Oakville, Dr. Steve often begins treatment by evaluating posture and workstation habits to determine whether computer use is contributing to a patient’s headaches. Ergonomic advice is an important first step. Small changes to monitor height, chair positioning, keyboard placement, and sitting posture can significantly reduce the strain placed on the upper cervical spine and upper back throughout the day. Sleeping position could play a major factor on why the patient is not healing and why they continue to have headaches!
However, posture correction alone is often not enough once headaches have become chronic. Treatment may include chiropractic care to restore proper motion in the cervical spine, soft tissue therapy to release tight muscles, and targeted exercises designed to improve shoulder stability and upper back strength. These treatments help address the underlying mechanical causes of many posture-related headaches.
After treatment begins, patients are often guided through simple “text neck” posture exercises and shoulder stabilization programs to help retrain healthy posture and support long-term improvement.
Our Oakville clinic regularly treats headache patients from Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga who are searching for effective headache treatment near them, particularly when headaches are related to posture, computer work, or prolonged sitting. By correcting both posture and spinal mechanics, treatment focuses on reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches while helping patients return to normal daily activities with less pain.
6 Minute Daily Program for Headaches and Text Neck Relief
Think your headaches are coming from “text neck” and using your phone or computer too much? Check out how our Oakville clinic deals with treating posture injuries.
Our Oakville clinic regularly treats patients experiencing headaches and migraines from Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga. If you are searching online for headache treatment near you, our team focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause of your headaches.
If you’re experiencing headaches, whether they occur once in a while or frequently, come visit us at Nottinghill Family Wellness so that our acupuncturists can help you. Why continue to suffer with headaches when we can provide excellent treatment and make life easier for you. We can directly bill most insurance companies. Call us at 905-827-4197 to start treatment for your headaches today!
Oakville Headache FAQS
Can my headache be coming from my neck?
Do you treat headache patients from Milton, Burlington, or Mississauga?
How long is it okay to have a headache for?
What’s the difference between a headache and a migraine?
What are the most common causes of headaches?
Can my headaches be coming from my jaw?
How do I know if I am having a headache or a stroke?
What is the best treatment for headaches?
Yes, your headaches can be coming from tight muscles and joints in the cervical spine or neck.
Yes. Many headache patients travel to our Oakville clinic from Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga for treatment. Our clinic focuses on identifying the underlying cause of headaches including neck dysfunction, muscle tension, TMJ problems, and posture related issues, allowing treatment to focus on correcting the root problem rather than simply masking symptoms.
You should not have more than 1 or 2 headaches a week and you should not go to bed and wake up with a headache.
A migraine will be sharp stabbing pain, could have nausea and possibly vomiting, vision change. Tension headaches will feel like a tight band across the head.
Poor diet, stress, lack of water, muscle tension and poor posture.
Yes, tension in the jaw can cause headaches and other issues with your neck.
If the head pain is literally the worst pain in the world and comes on in minutes or you are suffering from a one sided neurological change of your face, mouth upper shoulders.
In most cases when the headache is coming from bad posture, chiropractic care is the go to standard for curing posture headaches.
