Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website!
I earned my Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) from the University of Western States, formerly known as Western States Chiropractic College, in 2007.
My wife, Kelly, and I have been married since 2002, and we are the proud parents of two teenagers who keep us engaged with their academic pursuits, athletic commitments, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
I graduated from Seaside High School in 1997, received my Associate of Arts (AA) from Clatsop Community College, and continued my education at Oregon State University (OSU). I ultimately obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in Klamath Falls in 2003.
From a young age, I aspired to become a pilot in the United States Military, a dream largely inspired by the film ‘Top Gun.’ During my college summer breaks, I worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, operating out of the Nushagak Bay area. After my final fishing season, I returned home experiencing significant lower back discomfort.
Upon returning home, my back pain intensified and radiated into my left leg. Over the next several weeks, I visited Urgent Care on five separate occasions, each time receiving prescriptions for muscle relaxants and pain medication, which unfortunately provided no relief. At the encouragement of my wife and mother, I scheduled an appointment with a local chiropractor. The chiropractor immediately noticed my limp and brought me directly to the examination room for evaluation. After conducting several tests, he informed me that surgery was necessary and indicated that earlier intervention might have prevented this outcome. I subsequently underwent an MRI and had lower back surgery the following week.
Following surgery, I committed myself to physical therapy and successfully rehabilitated my body, achieving my best physical condition to date. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree the following year and contacted a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter to pursue my original career goal. During the application process, I disclosed my surgical history and was informed that my type of surgery was an immediate disqualification for military service. I confirmed this policy with recruiters from all military branches, receiving the same response, which left me reevaluating my career path.
While my wife completed her final year of undergraduate studies, I took time to reflect on my options. Although the chiropractor had not directly treated me, I was intrigued by his diagnostic process and decisive recommendation for surgery. This curiosity led me to research chiropractic education, ultimately motivating me to apply to chiropractic college.
I completed my chiropractic training in 2007 and was eager to begin helping others. Unfortunately, my first two positions were with clinics that prioritized financial gain over patient care, prompting me to open my own chiropractic practice. However, this endeavor coincided with the Financial Crisis of 2008. Despite my dedication, I was unable to sustain my practice financially and made the difficult decision to close my clinic.
At that time, my older brother had established a career in law enforcement. Having enjoyed participating in ride-alongs with him, I decided to pursue a career in this field. Over the next eight years, I served with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Sutherlin Police Department as a Patrol Deputy/Officer and as a Detective with the Douglas County Major Crimes Team. During my tenure, I became a Field Training Officer, a Drug Recognition Expert and Deputy Medical Examiner. Throughout this period, I maintained my chiropractic license and continued to practice part-time, primarily assisting friends and family.
After my involvement with the UCC Shooting and several other significant cases, I began to reconsider my long-term prospects in law enforcement. In 2019, I made the decision to transition out of law enforcement and return to a career in Chiropractic.
Over the next six years, I worked alongside fellow Chiropractors, but found that my professional values were not consistently aligned with their approaches to patient care. In March 2026, I founded North River Chiropractic, opting to innovate by converting a bus into a Mobile Chiropractic Clinic rather than pursuing a traditional office lease. This model allowed me to engage more deeply with clients and assess areas of greatest need within Douglas County. My practice increasingly focused on the Sutherlin area, and through a series of developments, I secured an office space while continuing to operate the Mobile Chiropractic Clinic.
As my practice grew, I experienced substantial support from the Sutherlin community and neighboring regions. In December 2025, I elected to sell the Mobile Chiropractic Clinic and transition fully to my current location at 447 S Calapooia St, Sutherlin. The new facility has proven highly successful, and I am grateful for the ongoing support from the local community.
While the future remains open to many possibilities for growth, I am confident that Sutherlin will remain the home of my long-term chiropractic practice. I sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, with special thanks to my wife.
Nate Goodman, D.C.
When selecting a healthcare provider, it is essential to feel comfortable and confident in both the provider and the care team.
North River Chiropractic was built from a foundation of personal and professional experiences—both positive and challenging—that have shaped my approach to patient care. I believe certain priorities are essential to creating an exceptional patient experience while supporting meaningful, long-term health goals. I remain actively involved in every aspect of my practice and am committed to maintaining a low-volume model. This approach allows me to manage my schedule personally and dedicate the necessary time and attention to each patient.
I place a high priority on balance between my professional responsibilities and my family life. While I maintain established business hours, I allow flexibility when needed to remain engaged with family, school, and community commitments.
My primary goal is to ensure that every patient feels they are receiving the care and support they need. I continually work to stay current and proficient in manual therapy techniques and supportive modalities in order to provide a high-quality, personalized chiropractic experience.
Many individuals have encountered chiropractic care models that rely on extended treatment plans requiring significant time and financial commitments. In many cases, these plans are driven more by business considerations than by what is truly in the patient’s best interest. My approach is different—care is guided by clinical need, not predetermined timelines.
While chiropractic care is often passive in nature, focusing on hands-on treatment to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility, my long-term objective is patient empowerment. I strive to equip each patient with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain their health independently through targeted exercises, stretches, and appropriate nutritional support.
There is nothing mystical about chiropractic care. At its core, it is the practice of identifying and addressing functional movement issues within the body that contribute to pain and dysfunction.
I welcome open communication and encourage you to reach out at any time with questions or concerns regarding your health. I also maintain strong professional relationships with other healthcare providers and specialists to ensure appropriate referrals when necessary. In some cases, collaborative care is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes.