Low Back Pain Treatment Oakville

At our Oakville chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic, back pain 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.

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 treating low back pain. Our Physiotherapy Team is lead by Vinaya with over 26 years of experience treating lower back pain.

When you visit us, you can expect a thorough diagnosis, personalized treatment, and a detailed game plan—all on your first visit!

Suffering from low back pain? We can help!

Why Your Back Is Hurting Video

What Our Patients Are saying About Low Back Pain

  • Awesome experience. Very welcoming and always left feeling rejuvenated

    John Stones Avatar John Stones
    July 7, 2024

    Dr. Steve and his staff have been integral in keeping me in shape to continue to train. Dr. Steve understands the peculiarities of my back and is able to treat me in a manner that I am comfortable with and gets results. He is also very helpful in providing alternative... read more

    Scott Campbell Avatar Scott Campbell
    December 7, 2024

    When I booked my first appointment with Dr. Steve, my SI was in so much pain, I couldn’t stand due to the pain and it was worse sitting down. I chose Dr. Steve just for proximity to work, and at the time desperate for some relief. Dr. Steve assured me... read more

    Renee Phillips Avatar Renee Phillips
    February 6, 2025
  • Very helpful team. Physiotherapist Vinaya has now helping me on 2 different inquiries and RMT Jessica helps remove the aches, pains and stress

    Mark Silva Avatar Mark Silva
    December 17, 2024

    Dr. Jenn was great to work with. I’d recommend her

    Lida Liu Avatar Lida Liu
    November 7, 2024

    I’ve been seeing Dr. Steve for the past few months, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the care and attention I’ve received. From the very first visit, Dr. Steve took the time to thoroughly assess my concerns and explain the treatment plan in detail. I’ve struggled with neck pain... read more

    Anjana Bhaskaran Avatar Anjana Bhaskaran
    December 10, 2024
  • Great staff , very welcoming and knowledgeable

    Heidi Bedard Avatar Heidi Bedard
    July 7, 2024

    I’ve been to Dr Steve more than once over past several years. I had severe sciatica pain stemming from lower back to right hip to all the way down to right tows. He has magical hands. His sessions healed the issue completely and now I am able to play... read more

    C C Avatar C C
    September 7, 2024

    Dr. Jenn thank you for all the years looking after our family, you are nothing short of a miracle worker. Always refer friends to your practice, sorry we are moving, you will be missed. Audrey, thank you for always accommodating us on short notice and following up, lifesaver. ... read more

    Shona Mindzak Avatar Shona Mindzak
    December 7, 2024

anatomy drawing of the low back, showing pelvis, QL, glutes, SI joint and piriformis and sciatica

 

 Anatomy of Low Back Pain

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 Oakville Shockwave treatment 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 undiagnosed low back pain—get a proper diagnosis and start treatment today. The longer you wait, the longer it will take to heal!

Low Back Pain Treatment Oakville

Treating low back pain is our chiropractors’ 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!

A female patient receiving treatment for back pain

1. Interferential Current Therapy and Heat

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.

Interferential stim placed on a patients low back with suction cups.

2. Shockwave Therapy For Back Pain

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.

shockwave being applied to a patients low back

3. Chiropractic Adjustments For Low Back Pain

Dr. Steve Knighton has been providing expert chiropractic care in Oakville for nearly 20 years, specializing in evidence-based, hands-on treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility. His approach to manual chiropractic adjustments is precise, effective, and tailored to each patient’s needs.

Manual adjustments help realign the spine, reduce nerve irritation, and improve joint function. 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 chiropractic adjustments—book your appointment with Dr. Steve today!

a patient on their side with the chiropractor adjusting their low back

A graphic showing reasons for lower back pain

Why do you get low back pain?

 

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.

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.

Read More About Lower Back Pain and Treatment Here

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.

Treatment for SI joint Low Back Pain

SI Joint & Low Back Pain Treatment:

The videos below cover common diagnoses we see at our chiropractic 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.

At our clinic, both chiropractors and physiotherapists treat low back pain. Our physiotherapy team uses similar techniques as Dr. Steve, but without chiropractic 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 Video:

 Quadratus Lumborum Back Pain Treatment Video:

 

Treatment for Psoas and Hip Flexor for Back Pain!

Psoas and Hip Flexor Anatomy Video:

ITB and Low Back Pain Treatment Video:

Oakville Chiropractic 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)!

Chiropractic Adjusting low back pain

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 Lower Back Pain in Oakville

Shockwave therapy has quickly become one of the go-to treatments at our Oakville chiropractic 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 chiropractic 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!

Low Back Pain FAQs

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 Oakville chiropractors 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 Here

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?

Book An Appointment for low back pain!