Treatment in NW Portland Back Pain
Move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.What is Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care. It can come on suddenly or build up over time and may feel like stiffness, sharp pain, or a dull ache. It often stems from joint restrictions, muscle tension, posture imbalances, or repetitive stress.
You don’t have to live with back pain.
Whether you’ve tried other providers or are just getting started, we’re here to help. Our team takes the time to understand what’s really causing your pain—then gives you a plan that actually works.
Our Process: Evaluate thoroughly, treat specifically, support long-term strength.
We assess posture, spine mobility, and movement patterns to find the root cause of your pain. Care typically includes adjustments, soft tissue work, and functional rehab that helps you feel better and stay better.
Our Back Pain Treatment Includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments (spine, pelvis)
- Myofascial Release & Soft Tissue Therapy
- Targeted Mobility and Strengthening Exercises
- Graston/IASTM
- Class IV Laser Therapy
- Shockwave Therapy (for chronic pain)
- Postural Coaching
Meet Your Team
Our chiropractors specialize in restoring healthy movement and spinal alignment. We’ve helped thousands of patients—from athletes to desk workers—recover from back pain and get back to life.
Dr. Chris Zander
Dr. Zander has developed a reputation for being one of the top Chiropractors on the West Coast and is a past President of the Oregon Chiropractic Association. Due to his training and experience, he has had success with patients that felt other specialties, including Chiropractic, had not helped them in the past. He is dedicated to treating patients safely and effectively to get them well, stay and live happy healthy lives.
He has worked with a wide range of patients, from individuals managing common aches and injuries to professional and collegiate athletes, including NHL draft picks, PGA Tour golfers, Olympians, and athletes from NFL, NBA, MLS, NWSl, and X Games. Regardless of background or activity level, Dr. Zander brings the same thoughtful care and attention to every patient.
Dr. Zander earned degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of Illinois and his Doctor of Chiropractic from Western States Chiropractic College, where he is now an adjunct professor. He has practiced in the Pacific Northwest since 2006 and collaborates with a trusted network of healthcare providers to ensure each patient receives the right care at the right time.
Oddessa, LMT
Oddessa is excited to join the Backsmith team after her return back home to the PNW. Her work includes Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial release, assisted movement and CranioSacral Therapy. She loves to learn and is continuing to develop her understanding of the embodied experience. In her spare time she enjoys walks with her rescue hound and practicing yoga.
Delaney, LMT
Delaney is a graduate of East West College of the Healing Arts with a deep passion for bodywork and holding space for healing. Her practice is grounded in presence, intuition, and informed technique. She offers a range of modalities including assisted stretching, trigger point therapy, relaxation, deep tissue, and Craniosacral – each session tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual. Delaney sees massage as a collaborative process and an honor to be part of each client’s healing journey.
Outside of the treatment room, you can find her outdoors – camping, backpacking, hiking or making music with friends.
Erin, LMT
Trained as a professional dancer in her youth, Erin has always had an appreciation for the power of the human body. She graduated from the Dayton School of Medical Massage in 2016 and specializes in a blend of medical and relaxation massage techniques.
Her work is informed by training in neuromuscular therapy, ashiatsu, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, and energy work.
When not in the treatment room, Erin is often found hiking , camping , writing poetry , or reading at home with her musician husband and two rambunctious boys.
Karina, Office Manager
Karina was born and raised in Northern California and moved to the beautiful PNW in 2007. She played collegiate soccer at Warner Pacific College in Portland, where she graduated with a bachelors in psychology. Her love of sports inspired a career in the healthcare industry and her passion for people’s well-being inspired a career in patient care.
In her spare time Karina enjoys spending time with her wife and doodle and of course, catching a Portland Thorns or Timbers game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Back pain is often related to everyday factors such as muscle fatigue, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, stress, or reduced mobility in the spine and surrounding muscles. Poor posture and lack of movement can also contribute over time. In many cases, back pain develops gradually rather than from a single injury.
Recurring back pain is often linked to underlying movement patterns, daily habits, or muscle imbalances that continue to place stress on the same areas. Without addressing these contributing factors, symptoms may improve temporarily but they return with normal activity.
In many cases, staying active is helpful during back pain recovery. Movement can support circulation and mobility, as long as activities are adjusted to avoid flare-ups. Your provider may recommend modifying workouts, reducing intensity, or focusing on gentle movement until symptoms improve.
You should consider an evaluation if back pain persists, keeps returning, limits daily activity, or interferes with sleep or exercise. Getting assessed can help identify contributing factors and guide a care plan based on your specific symptoms and movement patterns.
Service Areas
We proudly serve the following areas in Portland:
- NW Portland
- Slabtown
- The Pearl District
- Nob Hill
- Downtown Portland
- Goose Hollow
- All Surrounding Portland Communities