Treatment in NW Portland Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Restore circulation, reduce nerve tension, and breathe freely again.What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?
TOS happens when nerves or blood vessels are compressed as they pass through the space between your neck, shoulder, and chest. It can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or swelling in the arms and hands. Often mistaken for other issues, TOS is frequently posture-related and can worsen with repetitive activity or poor movement patterns.
It’s frustrating—and often misdiagnosed.
TOS symptoms can interfere with sleep, work, and daily activities. We understand how exhausting it is to feel misunderstood or told it’s “all in your head.” Our team is trained to identify and treat TOS with precision and compassion.
Our Process: Decompress, retrain, and stabilize.
We evaluate your posture, shoulder mechanics, and neck mobility to identify the exact source of compression. Care often includes soft tissue work, postural rehab, and movement retraining to open the space and relieve pressure on nerves and vessels.
Our TOS Treatment Includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments (cervical, thoracic, rib)
- Soft Tissue Therapy (scalene, pec minor, trap, subclavius)
- Postural Rehab and Nerve Glide Exercises
- Graston Technique/IASTM
- Laser Therapy (for inflammation and nerve irritation)
- Kinesiotaping
Meet Your Team
We’ve helped athletes, desk workers, and postural compensation cases find long-term relief from thoracic outlet syndrome. Our team combines deep anatomical knowledge with a movement-first approach.
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.
Dr. David Higginson
With nearly two decades of chiropractic experience, Dr. David brings a broad and well-rounded background to the clinic. Over the course of his career, he has practiced in a variety of settings, including owning and managing his own clinic, working as an associate chiropractor, and teaching as an attending physician at a chiropractic university. For the past ten years, he has focused extensively on pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care as part of a specialized clinic.
Dr. David earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Oregon, graduating Cum Laude. His clinical skills include both diversified and low-force spinal and extremity adjustments. He holds certifications in sports chiropractic, instrument assisted techniques, pediatric and prenatal care, soft tissue therapy, and physical therapy modalities such as rehabilitative exercise and electrotherapy.
Originally from British Columbia, Dr. David moved to Portland in 2002. Outside the clinic, he stays active with his family, coaching and cheering on his three teenage sons in ultimate frisbee and basketball, enjoying the outdoors and walking his pug with his partner.
Shinichiro, LMT
Shinichiro is a graduate of East West College and is eager to share his knowledge with the Backsmith Community. He provides personalized, intuitive based massage therapy for our patients. He utilizes a variety of different techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue and
Myofascial.
Originally from Kyoto, Japan, Shinichiro has lived in Portland for the past few years. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog, swimming, playing the piano, and relaxing in the hot springs.
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.
Adriana, LMT
Adriana Sundari is a Licensed Massage Therapist and graduate of East West College of the Healing Arts. Her work focuses on supporting the body’s natural healing processes through therapeutic touch that calms the nervous system, releases tension, and restores functional balance. She is trained in cupping,Swedish massage, deep tissue, myofascial therapy, trigger point work, and Thai massage (table and mat), allowing her to address chronic tension patterns, pain, and movement restrictions in a way that complements chiropractic care.
Adriana approaches each session with intention and presence, tailoring her work to the individual needs of each patient. In addition to her clinical training, she has a background in yoga, breathwork, meditation, and dance, which informs her nuanced understanding of movement and body mechanics. She is currently enjoying learning Brazilian Zouk, a partnered dance style, at VMAC Dance Studio.
Yesenya, Front Desk
After previously working at Portland Backsmith Chiropractic, Yesenya is thrilled to be back with the team. She enjoys helping patients feel at ease, supporting the flow of the office, and contributing to the positive energy that makes the clinic special.
Outside of work, Yesenya loves creative projects, photography, journaling, and spending time outdoors—especially near the coast. She’s grateful to return to a familiar place and be part of a community focused on healing and whole-body wellness.
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 Question
Common symptoms include numbness in the hands, tingling with overhead activity, neck/shoulder tightness, or a feeling of poor circulation.
Often yes. Rounded shoulders, forward head posture, or tight chest and neck muscles are typical contributing factors.
Yes. While we can help most cases conservatively, we collaborate with medical providers when necessary.
We work with many insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check, plus affordable options for all patients.
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