A Division of Orris Family Chiropractic
Gateway Upper Cervical Institute
Practicing Upper Cervical Since 2016.
Relief at the Source. Hope for What You’ve Been Told to “Just Live With.”
Your Head Isn’t On Straight—Literally.
When the top bone in your neck (the atlas) is even slightly misaligned, it can interfere with brainstem function, blood flow, and nerve communication—leading to a surprising range of symptoms most people never associate with their neck.
If you’ve been chasing symptoms but not getting better, the real problem might be in your upper neck.
Why Upper Cervical?
Common Symptoms We See Improve
People come to us after seeing multiple specialists, trying every therapy, or being told their tests are “normal.”
Chronic headaches or migraines
Concussions & mTBI
Brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble concentrating
Dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems
Sensitivity to light or noise
Neck or shoulder pain
TMJ or jaw clicking
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Posture that feels “off”
Spinal stiffness or tension that keeps coming back
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Fatigue or feeling “wired but tired”
Feeling unsteady or disconnected from your body
Click on any of the images below for more details:
Headaches & Migraines
Many chronic headaches and migraines can be traced back to misalignments in the upper cervical spine—an area often overlooked. Dr. Max specializes in identifying and correcting these issues, helping patients finally find lasting relief.
Concussion & mTBI
While concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) are classified as brain injuries, continued research suggests that the root issue may actually stem from the upper cervical spine.
Dizziness & Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo aren’t always caused by problems in the inner ear. In many cases, the real culprit lies in the upper neck—where irritated nerves and sensory muscles can disrupt your body’s sense of balance.
Brain Fog & Brain Health
Healthy blood flow to and from the brain is vital for optimal brain function. Discover how upper cervical care can help restore circulation and support long-term brain health.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
With trigeminal neuralgia, even a breeze can feel unbearable. Upper cervical care may reduce the nerve pressure behind the pain.
Arm & Hand Numbness/Tingling
In many cases, the real problem starts in the neck—where compressed nerves can radiate symptoms down the arms. Identifying and correcting misalignments in the cervical spine often brings lasting relief.
POTS
The dizziness and rapid heartbeat stem from a nervous system out of sync—stabilizing the upper neck helps the body regain control and balance.
TMJ Dysfunction
Jaw pain and tension often trace back to imbalance where the neck meets the skull; correcting it can ease pressure and restore natural motion.
Tinnitus
That constant ringing can feel endless, but when pressure near the brainstem is relieved through upper cervical correction, calm often returns to the noise.
It’s Not in Your Head—It’s in Your Neck.
When your atlas shifts out of alignment, it can:
Distort nerve signals to and from the brain
Disrupt cerebrospinal fluid flow, leading to pressure in the head
Affect blood supply to the brain
Overstimulate the nervous system, putting your body in a constant state of stress
“I didn’t expect it to help this much—my head feels lighter, my thinking is clearer, and I feel like myself again.”
What Makes Us Different
At Gateway Upper Cervical Institute, we use a highly precise, painless method called Advanced Orthogonal Upper Cervical Care.
No twisting or popping
Imaging-guided adjustments to your exact anatomy
Gentle correction with soundwave-like precision
Designed to hold longer—so your body can truly heal
This is not general chiropractic. It’s targeted neurologic correction at the source of your body’s communication system: the brainstem.
The Gateway Approach
Step 1: Consultation & Exam
We listen. You’ll share your story, and we’ll explore how upper cervical dysfunction might be affecting you.
Step 2: 3D Imaging
We use specialized X-rays to detect precise misalignments—down to fractions of a millimeter.
Step 3: Correction
A gentle instrument-based adjustment is made based on your specific angles and anatomy.
Step 4: Verification
Post-correction imaging confirms that your atlas is now aligned and the pressure is off.
Step 5: Restoration
As your body stabilizes, symptoms often begin to fade—and you’ll learn tools to help you stay that way.
Real Relief. Real People.
“I had migraines 3–4 times a week. Now I’ve gone weeks without one.”
— Sarah, 36
“I didn’t know how much my posture and fogginess were connected until I got adjusted. I’m sharper and steadier every day.”
— Ben, 42
“I thought vertigo was something I’d just have to live with. I was wrong.”
— Lisa, 61
Who We Help
Upper Cervical Care has been life-changing for patients with:
Post-concussion symptoms
Migraines and cluster headaches
Meniere’s disease and tinnitus
TMJ dysfunction
Fibromyalgia
Postural instability and dizziness
Neurovascular conditions
Even if your diagnosis is unclear—or you’ve been told “everything looks fine”—we may be able to help.
Let’s Find the Cause—Not Just Manage the Symptoms.
You don’t have to live in fear of your next flare-up. Or feel like you're going crazy because your symptoms don’t show up on a test.
At Gateway Upper Cervical Institute, we help your body heal by restoring the most overlooked and overprotected part of the nervous system: the upper cervical spine.
Get In Touch
Email: [email protected]
Address
Office: 409 West Osage, Pacific, MO 63069
Phone Number:
(636) 271-2960
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