Treatment in NW Portland Headaches
Find natural relief from tension, migraines, and recurring headachesWhat are Headaches?
Headaches come in many forms—throbbing, dull, tension-based, or migraine-related. While medications may mask symptoms, they often don’t address the real cause. Many headaches are linked to muscular tension, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation in the neck and upper back.
You don’t have to live with headaches.
We’ve helped people who suffered for years find relief by looking beyond just the symptoms. If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling, we take a fresh approach focused on movement, alignment, and lifestyle support.
Our Process: Identify triggers, relieve pressure, improve function.
We start with a hands-on assessment of your spine, posture, and movement patterns. Treatment may include adjustments, soft tissue work, rehab, and lifestyle strategies to reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
Our Headache Treatment Includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments (focused on neck and upper back)
- Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Therapy
- Graston/IASTM
- Postural Rehab and Movement Coaching
- Stress Management Tips and Ergonomic Advice
- Class IV Laser Therapy (when appropriate)
Meet Your Team
Our providers are experienced in treating headache sufferers of all types. We’ll guide you through a care plan that addresses your unique triggers and movement patterns.
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
Some headaches can be influenced by factors such as neck tension, posture, muscle tightness, or reduced mobility in the upper neck and shoulders. Tension-type headaches and headaches that seem connected to neck discomfort may involve contributing factors. A proper evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Chiropractic care helps people experiencing headaches by addressing contributing factors such as neck mobility, muscle tension, and movement patterns. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, care may include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, massage, and recommendations focused on improving function and reducing contributing stress on the neck and upper body.
The timeline for improvement depends on the type of headache, how long symptoms have been present, and the factors contributing to them. Some people notice changes quickly, while others may need a more consistent care plan to address ongoing patterns contributing to symptoms.
You should consider an evaluation if headaches are frequent, worsening, affecting your daily activities, or occurring alongside neck pain or tension. If a headache is sudden and severe or comes with concerning symptoms such as weakness, confusion, or vision changes medical evaluation may be needed.
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