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.
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.
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 Question
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can cause symptoms such as neck, shoulder, arm or hand discomfort, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in sensation. Some people notice symptoms with certain positions or activities, such as reaching overhead, working at a desk, lifting, or repetitive movements. Because similar symptoms can come from other conditions, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your discomfort.
Posture may play a role in some cases of TOS. Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, muscle tnesion, and limited mobility in the neck, upper back, and shoulder area may contribute to changes in how the nerves and blood vessels move through the thoracic outlet region. A provider can help evaluate movement patterns and contributing factors.
TOS is typically managed by addressing factors that may contribute to nerve or vascular irritation in the neck, shoulder, and upper back. Care plans may include manual therapy, mobility work, and corrective exercises tailored to the individual. At Portland Backsmith Chiropractic & Massage, treatment is based on your specific symptoms and exam findings.
Chiropractic care helps people with TOS by improving joint mobility, posture, and muscle tension that can contribute to irritation in the neck and shoulder region. It is often part of a conservative, non-invasive approach to managing symptoms.
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