Treatment in NW Portland Lower Back Pain
Relief that lasts—so you can move freely again.What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is one of the most common and frustrating musculoskeletal conditions. It can be caused by joint restriction, muscle tension, disc problems, or postural strain. Whether it’s sharp, dull, or radiating, it can impact your work, sleep, and daily life.
It’s common—but not normal.
Just because low back pain is common doesn’t mean you have to live with it. We take a whole-body approach to identify what’s driving your pain and how to fix it.
Our Process: Address the root cause and retrain movement.
We start with a full evaluation of your spine, hips, and core function. Treatment includes targeted adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehab to help stabilize your spine and reduce flare-ups.
Our Lower Back Pain Treatment Includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments (spine, SI joint, pelvis)
- Core Stabilization and Rehab
- Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Therapy
- Graston/IASTM
- Laser Therapy
- Shockwave Therapy (when needed)
- Movement Coaching & Postural Strategies
Meet Your Team
We help people every day with acute and chronic lower back pain. Our team focuses on restoring real movement and giving you tools to stay pain-free long after treatment ends.
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
Lower back pain can be related to muscle tension, prolonged sitting, repetitive movement, poor posture, or reduced mobility in the spine and surrounding muscles. In many cases, it develops gradually over time due to daily habits and movement patterns rather than a single injury.
Ongoing or recurring lower back pain is often linked to underlying movement patterns, stiffness, muscle imbalances that continue to place stress on the same area. Without addressing these contributing factors, symptoms may improve temporarily but return with normal activity or prolonged sitting.
In many cases, staying active is helpful for lower back pain. Movement can support circulation and mobility, as long as activities are adjusted to avoid flare-ups. Our providers may recommend modifying exercises, posture, or daily activity based on your symptoms.
Care for lower back pain often focuses on improving mobility, reducing muscle tension, and supporting better movement patterns. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, this may include chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, massage, and guided movement recommendations tailored to your condition.
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