Treatment in NW Portland TMJ Disorder
Relieve jaw pain, clicking, and tension with focused, gentle care.What is TMJ Disorder?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder can show up as jaw pain, clicking, popping, or even headaches and ear discomfort. It’s often caused by tight jaw muscles, joint dysfunction, or poor alignment in the neck and jaw.
Jaw pain is frustrating—and often overlooked.
It can make eating, talking, or even sleeping uncomfortable. We understand how much TMJ can impact your daily life, and we have effective ways to help.
Our Process: Evaluate the jaw, release tight muscles, support alignment.
We assess how your jaw is functioning, and how it’s connected to your neck and posture. Treatment may include gentle joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy around the jaw, and postural rehab to reduce strain and restore natural function.
Our TMJ Treatment Includes:
- Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments (jaw and neck)
- Soft Tissue Release for Jaw Muscles (external and intraoral)
- Graston/IASTM for Neck and Jaw Tension
- Laser Therapy for Inflammation and Healing
- Rehab Exercises for Jaw Control and Posture
Meet Your Team
Our team is skilled in addressing the unique challenges of TMJ and jaw-related disorders. Every provider is trained in detailed assessment and targeted treatment to help you find lasting relief.
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 Questions
Yes. We use both external and, when appropriate, intraoral techniques to release tension and improve function.
Absolutely—jaw tension often contributes to headaches, neck pain, and even shoulder discomfort.
Most of our TMJ care is gentle and targeted. We’ll always explain what we’re doing and adjust to your comfort level.
Yes—we work with major insurance plans and offer a complimentary benefits check. We also have flexible options to make care easy and manageable.
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