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Do You Struggle with Vertigo or Dizziness? Gateway Upper Cervical Institute in Pacific Can Help

Posted on by Amanda

With the goal of helping people in Pacific and beyond get the proper upper cervical care, Gateway Upper Cervical Institute led by Dr. Max Orris focuses on providing care in several practice areas, including treating vertigo and dizziness.

While many people may be familiar with the sensation of vertigo or dizziness, it’s a condition that can cause major disruptions to daily life since it can impact a person’s ability to drive, and how they see and sense the world around them. Although the experience of vertigo and dizziness may be used interchangeably, they typically have different causes and varying symptoms. 

A person with vertigo often feels like the room is spinning and this condition has different causes, terminology, and diagnoses associated with it, while dizziness tends to be more of a balance issue and is best described as feeling as if you’re on a boat. Vertigo can also impact a person’s vision causing blurry sight or seeing double. Other visual impairments associated with vertigo can include feeling like objects are bouncing, having sensitivity to light, having problems with spatial orientation, and difficulty focusing on an object. 

While anyone can have vertigo or dizziness, Dr. Max shares that women experience the issue more than men. Photo credit: Gateway Upper Cervical Institute.

Since vertigo can affect vision and dizziness impacts balance, a common focus area for both health practitioners and people experiencing vertigo and dizziness is to first rule out that the problem isn’t being caused by an inner ear or vision issue. Since there are three main areas of the body that create a vertigo or dizziness response, the ears and eyes are often the areas people tend to have checked out as possible causes first. 

“People find our office most often after they’ve seen their primary doctor, they’ve been to physical therapy, they’ve been to an ENT, or have tried different treatments without results or they’ve not gotten answers,” Dr. Max explains.

Because about 70% of the input into the vestibular nuclei, which is the area of the brain that integrates from the eyes, ears and neck, comes from the muscles in your upper neck, upper cervical care practitioners can often get results where traditional medicine hasn’t produced an outcome. Since these muscles have such a high sensory input into the brain, when there’s a misalignment in the upper neck muscles, the body can receive incorrect information causing a person to experience a sensation like they’re on a boat or the room is spinning.

Common types of vertigo

While more traditional medical treatments from primary doctors and ENTs along with certain therapeutic methods performed by PTs have their place when treating vertigo or dizziness, often they’re meant for specific conditions, and vertigo can take on a few different forms. 

For instance, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a positional form of vertigo meaning that a person will feel a sudden spinning sensation with certain head movements, such as after rolling over in bed. 

Another type of vertigo is caused by a Vestibular Migraine which is dizziness or motion sensitivity that can be accompanied by a headache, but not always. Sometimes dizziness can stem from experiencing head or neck trauma, such as after a concussion, and in the case of Cervicogenic Dizziness, a person may experience an unsteady, floating, or off-balance sensation that is linked to neck tension or posture.

Dr. Max shares that when clients come to the Institute for treatment of dizziness and vertigo, they’ll often see results within the first few visits since he utilizes various tools and equipment not used elsewhere in the region, like a specialized chiropractic instrument called a stylus that uses high-frequency sound wave technology. 

By utilizing sound wave technology through the stylus tool pictured here, Dr. Max can achieve a high success rate for patients struggling with vertigo and dizziness. Photo credit: Gateway Upper Cervical Institute.

“We have around an 85% success rate,” he shares. 

Another the reason for the high success rate is due to a screening tool that dials into what is causing the symptoms. There’s a short quiz available on the Institute’s website that potential patients can take prior to visiting the office. After filling it out, the office will reach out and set up a time to be seen. Or, if the in-office screening results indicate that a different form of treatment is better for an individual’s conditions, the Institute has a number of referral partners that they can refer a patient to, and those referral partners also have high success rates treating vertigo and dizziness. 

If you or someone you know experiences vertigo or dizziness, take Gateway Upper Cervical Institute’s online quiz. Or contact the business by phone at 636-271-2960, or visit Gateway Upper Cervical Institute online to find out more. Gateway Upper Cervical Institute is located at 409 West Osage in Pacific.

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Professional Development and Networking Group in Pacific Helps its Partners Build Knowledge, Business Connections

Posted on by Amanda

There’s a new networking group made up of a diverse set of entrepreneurs that’s challenging the way traditional networking meetings operate. That group is called Businesses 4 Businesses, and its weekly meetings bring together business owners and professionals who are focused on building knowledge, making connections, and exchanging resources. Facilitated by Sam Hyndrich, Pacific resident and accountability coach behind the business Your Accountability Bestie, the group is bringing a fresh perspective on networking to the Franklin County area. 

Building a unique networking experience, while providing members with value, professional development, and business growth is what’s behind the Businesses 4 Businesses philosophy. The group is not affiliated with any larger networking organizations or specific industries, and has a membership that includes professionals you might expect to see at a more traditional networking group, like contractors, realtors, and insurance agents, as well as people with creative businesses, those in hospitality, and the medical field. There’s also diversity of experience, with members who are just beginning to build their business as well as those who are much further along in their entrepreneurial journey.

“There’s lots of networking opportunities in the area, but it feels like you’re attending the same meeting over and over,” Sam says.

Striving to create an atmosphere that doesn’t feel like members are attending the same meeting each week, the meetings follow a rotating schedule – speed networking one week, a member or visitor presenting a problem for the “hot seat” the next, a presentation that teaches a specific business-related skill the following week, and a presentation from a member on their business the last week of each month. 

Dr. Max Orris giving a professional development presentation on marketing. Photo via Businesses 4 Businesses on Facebook.

Yet, networking is a core part of what they do, and the group, often referred to as B4B by its members, has been implemented with an accountability piece built in, and members set individual goals, plus an action plan to meet them. 

“It has helped me get honest perspectives from other entrepreneurs. I am more persistent now because I listened to advice that was given and it has paid dividends. I have already surpassed an annual goal thanks to the accountability [and support],” one member shares. 

There are opportunities to collaborate with other professionals in the group through informal open networking before and after the meetings, as well as discussions during the meetings. There’s also an educational component built into B4B.

Learning new things and challenging beliefs 

Being a business owner means finding solutions and that’s best done through an expanded knowledge base. Although the internet has plenty of information, it can present content that confirms your doubts and biases, or that isn’t always applicable. At least once a month a member will present on a topic like marketing or using AI. Learning during these presentations is two fold: members can see how to integrate the information into their own businesses and ask the presenter questions about their process for an even deeper dive.

Challenging existing beliefs can be one of the best ways to grow as an individual and as a professional, and a core part of attending B4B meetings centers around challenging beliefs. 

“B4B has helped me gain new insights on my business that I wouldn’t have seen within the echo chamber of my own company. I’ve gained new knowledge and ideas that I don’t think I would have without it,” explains member Tyler Catt, who owns Sip on Main.

One way this is achieved is through the opportunity for members and visitors alike to spend time in the hot seat. While the name might sound a little intimidating, the hot seat offers a chance to present a current business struggle, while every person in the room has the opportunity to offer possible solutions. Through this collective effort, the person in the hot seat leaves with new insights, fresh perspectives, and a viable path to solve their problem. 

Dr. Justin Mann, a visitor at a recent B4B meeting, jumped into the hot seat for advice on a business problem. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

But members and visitors alike can gain insights without spending time in the hot seat, since the structure of the meetings naturally leads to organic conversations. As member Alex Edwards, who is in the insurance industry shares, “When I go in and vent about the challenges of my business, I get immediate solutions on how to fix the problems.”

Speed networking

On the first Wednesday of each month the group has a speed networking session. The six minute mini networking sessions work similar to a speed dating event. People sit across from each other and each person has three minutes to speak, but rather than everyone in attendance giving their business’s “elevator pitch” over and over, attendees draw questions from a jar to help guide the conversation. The questions are thought-provoking and scenario based, with topics such as sharing a recent business struggle and how they dealt with it. 

While three minutes may not seem like a long time to talk to someone, connections are made as members and visitors alike share their experiences, with the questions presenting a chance for business owners to share what has helped them in their entrepreneurial journey. 

The monthly speed networking meetings offer a chance for visitors and members to connect one-on-one. Photo via Businesses 4 Businesses on Facebook.

Visitors are encouraged to attend any meeting, but the speed networking events offer the opportunity for visitors to present their business to members and other visitors in a one-on-one experience. No matter when a visitor attends, they’re always met with enthusiasm and a group who wants to help. 

“You can expect to be welcomed and to walk into a room full of people that want to know about you and how we can help you,” Sam says.

Giving back

Although the room is full of busy entrepreneurs juggling their businesses, family life, and other commitments, during any given meeting you can expect to hear about upcoming community fundraisers or other philanthropic opportunities.  

“A lot of our members are on boards and lead foundations, and they’re allowed to talk about those things in our meetings because other people in the group like giving back individually and we give back as a group,” Sam describes.

During the holidays the group will use some of its leftover funds provided by membership dues to support community causes like Angel Tree donations and adopting a family in need in the community. 

If you’re interested in attending a meeting or you would like to know more about Businesses for Businesses, you can find out more on Facebook, or call/text 636-306-5636. The group meets each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 228 E. Union St. in Pacific. Visitors are always welcome, but are encouraged to DM on Facebook or reach out by phone to ensure there’s an accurate head count for the meeting’s lunch order.

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Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with a REME HALO Air Purifier Installed by BreathEasy

Posted on by Amanda

Almost a year ago, I became aware of a whole home air purifier that improves air quality throughout air-conditioned living and working spaces. After speaking with James Heller from local duct-cleaning company BreathEasy, I learned more about the REME HALO®, which is an indoor air purifier that’s easily installed in an existing air conditioning system ductwork. The REME HALO® actively reduces bacteria, viruses, odors, mold, allergens, and dust, ensuring excellent air quality.

I don’t have any pets and try my best to keep the windows closed during times of high pollen because I’ve always had sensitivities to dust, pet dander, pollen, and other common allergens you might find in the air. I’ve learned to live with lots of sneezing, spending some portions of the year with nasal congestion, itchy eyes and nose, and a scratchy throat. 

As I’ve spent most of my adult life as a renter, I had to adjust to life with dust and other allergens coming out of the air ducts in my residence. 

Last year we moved into an old home, and while I love the fact that it’s got hardwood floors, plus lots of character and charm, I have struggled with dealing with that old home smell. You probably know what I mean, that slight musty scent is bothersome and it has proven hard to get rid of, it can be masked when we’ve left the windows open or burned lots of candles or scented wax burners, but it would come back once we closed the house up or blew out the candles. 

Due to my history of suffering with indoor air allergens, shortly after we moved last year, we had BreathEasy clean the HVAC ducts in our home. We saw a noticeable improvement with increased air flow out of the vents and some improvement with the smell, but there was still a bit of dust build up that would appear near each air duct. Between the dust, the musty old home smell, and the fact that the previous tenant in this home had indoor pets, this spring we had BreathEasy come back out to our home and install the whole house air purifier. 

Since the installation of the REME HALO® that old house smell has disappeared. It was installed last month, and I’m so pleased with the results. There’s been far less dust build-up all throughout my home since we had the purifier installed. And, even with all the spring blooms and constant Missouri weather fluctuations, so far seasonal allergens haven’t impacted me, which I attribute to the cleaner air inside my home, so my respiratory system isn’t constantly fighting allergens outdoors and indoors.

BreathEasy provides air duct cleaning and other services to homes and businesses in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. If you’re interested in learning more about the REME HALO®, contact BreathEasy at 636-875-6767, reach out by email, or visit the company’s website.

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Gateway Upper Cervical Institute in Pacific Offers Care That is Only Available at Two Facilities in Missouri

Posted on by Amanda

Although it may be common for people to experience recurring migraines, tinnitus, vertigo or other issues, people don’t have to struggle with these symptoms. While some people can spend years seeking traditional medical help to no avail, others may learn to live with these conditions that can negatively impact daily life.

What people in our area may not know is that a chiropractor in Pacific has an advanced approach that’s helping his patients get relief from ailments like migraines, vertigo, tinnitus, and several other health issues that don’t often respond to traditional medical treatments or chiropractic methods. 

Gateway Upper Cervical Institute – a division of Orris Family Chiropractic led by Dr. Max Orris – uses specific techniques that utilize sound wave technology. This form of advanced orthogonal upper cervical care doesn’t rely on traditional chiropractic methods that involve twisting or popping to perform an adjustment. 

Because orthogonal means “a perfect square” this form of treatment realigns the neck bone so that it sits in its proper place. The top bone in the neck is known as the atlas and when its optimally aligned, it should form a square between the head and the rest of the body when viewed on an X-ray. 

“Our goal is to get everything as close to square as possible. We’re literally getting your head on straight,” he explains of the treatment.

The atlas should form a square between the head and the rest of the body when viewed on an X-ray.

This form of care is so advanced that Gateway Upper Cervical Institute is just one of two offices in the state that’s capable of delivering this type of treatment to its patients. Since the only other provider of this type of advanced orthogonal care in Missouri is located near Joplin, Dr. Max sees patients seeking care who reside in the Franklin County and St. Louis metro areas, as well as people living within a two to three hour drive of the office.

Dr. Max launched Gateway Upper Cervical Institute in 2025, because being able to provide this level of care and specific technique is something he’s wanted to do since graduating from Logan University just over a decade ago.  

When he was finishing up his degree program Dr. Max visited several chiropractic offices along the Gulf Coast, shadowing Doctors of Chiropractic in order to complete his doctoral program. During that time, Dr. Max shadowed and learned from a chiropractor in St. Petersburg, Florida who developed the advanced orthogonal technique that Dr. Max currently uses at Gateway Upper Cervical Institute. Receiving an advanced orthogonal adjustment in St. Petersburg all those years ago is something that has left a lasting impression.

The reason why advanced orthogonal is different than other upper cervical care.

“To this day that was the most profound adjustment I’ve ever had,” he recalls. While Dr. Max wasn’t having any symptoms at the time that would require advanced orthogonal care, he says that he left feeling “really good” and noticing how different that adjustment felt for him. 

Possible candidates for advanced orthogonal care

Although the symptoms of migraines, vertigo, tinnitus or even TMJ may differ, the root cause of these issues can stem from the atlas becoming misaligned. Whatever the initial cause, relief can be possible through advanced orthogonal care. 

When a patient comes in for care, Dr. Max utilizes a series of tests and equipment, including a seated X-ray machine and a specialized chiropractic instrument, called a stylus, which delivers a precise, high-frequency sound wave. After a patient has gone through the X-ray process, Dr. Max reviews the results with them, and pinpoints the stylus exactly where the misalignment occurs for each patient, per their individual X-ray results. The sound wave technology delivers quiet, painless treatment for each person.

Dr. Max utilizes a series of tests and equipment to treat patients seeking advanced orthogonal care.

Patient results

Many patients who see Dr. Max for advanced orthogonal care have seen improvement in their conditions, often in a short amount of time. Tinnitus can be a common issue for veterans, and over time, people learn to live with the condition and can get used to the persistent ringing in the ears without realizing the impact it has on their hearing. One veteran with tinnitus who was seen by Dr. Max reported an improvement in his hearing ability after one treatment. 

Vertigo impacts a person’s life since the dizziness condition creates a false sensation that the room is spinning, even when a person with vertigo is sitting still. Its impacts on balance and movement means that a person experiencing vertigo may have issues with fulfilling day to day activities, such as driving. Patients who receive treatment for this can often see improvements that allow them to get behind the wheel again.

The stylus uses sound wave technology to deliver precise and pain-free treatment.

Because getting optimal patient results is important at Gateway Upper Cervical Institute, Dr. Max also performs a series of tests designed to measure results and to better inform future adjustments.  

If you believe you or someone you know may benefit from advanced orthogonal care performed by Dr. Max, reach out by phone at 636-271-2960, or visit Gateway Upper Cervical Institute on the web. Gateway Upper Cervical Institute is located at 409 West Osage, in Pacific, inside Orris Family Chiropractic.