Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

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The Second Visit to Damron Chiropractic

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Three days after my initial visit I had my follow up appointment.  Once again, I was warmly greeted by the staff and then taken directly to the doctor’s office.  It wasn’t long after I was seated in his office that he knocked on the door and entered.  Dr. Damron sat across from me at his desk and opened a file on his computer of a spine X-ray.  He explained that I was looking at what is considered to be an “ideal” spinal structure.  He  he uses it as a comparison tool.  With considerable detail he walked me through how the ideal body is structured to be aligned from the neck to the tailbone.  Red markings indicated the proper alignment so that it was easier for a non-clinician like me to understand.

When he aligned my X-rays side by side with the “ideal,” the red markings revealed my current condition and imbalances.  He explained the differences between mine and the ideal, why they were different, but most importantly how we were going to close the gap on those differences so that my body would be balanced and aligned.  In my opinion, it’s always better to have a solution when a problem presents itself.  A solution that is attainable, realistic, and with an end in sight.  And that’s exactly what Dr. Damron provided me with.

After the consultation, I was led back to the front desk where I received a copy of my X-rays on a CD to keep as a reference.  I set up my next appointment that would begin my journey back to wellness.  A journey that would bring my body back to that ideal straight line versus my current zigzag.  That would strengthen the muscles around my spine and loosen the grip of other muscles that are not doing what they should.  I likened it to creating that solid foundation upon which we build a home.  Ensuring that the foundation is strong and built as it should will allow the home to operate as it should – without sinking, leaking, or cracking.  A home in alignment is designed to keep a family safe, happy, and thriving just as a body that is in alignment – keeping us safer from health issues, happier, and thriving as we age.

The First Visit to Damron Chiropractic

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I wanted to experience firsthand what it was like to be a patient at the practice for which I work.  I believe it’s important to see things through the patient’s (customer’s) eyes to minimize assumptions and feel the level of value that is received.  All to often organizations neglect to do this only find out too late that quality is slipping, customer’s needs are not being met, and business has been lost to the competition.  Proactive businesses take the time to organize surveys, reward referrals, employ “secret shoppers,” and actively solicit feedback from vendors, referral sources, and their employees.  So I decided to become the patient.

Upon entering Damron Chiropractic and Wellness, I was warmly greeted by those at the front desk and given a brief survey of my current health.  It included questions about my medical history, any pain I was experiencing, plus any concerns I had.  Within minutes I was taken back to the X-ray room where images were taken of my neck, back, and hips by a team member that was both highly professional and efficient.   After reviewing my X-rays, Dr. Damron met with me to go over his initial findings.

Forty five years of living had apparently caught up with me.  I had several alignment issues, in addition to having one leg that was 10 millimeters shorter than the other causing an imbalance.   Needless to say, I was dumbfounded that I could have things going on within my body that I wasn’t even aware of. Things that, in time, would eventually cause my overall well-being to be affected.  For example, having one leg longer than the other was causing my body structure to shift – my hips were slanted one way, my upper torso the opposite way to compensate for the lower half, and my neck and head leaning the other direction of my upper torso.  My body was a zig-zag, and if not addressed properly, my “golden years” will include a misshapen body full of aches and pains.

Once I was given a thorough overview of my results, I laid on an adjusting table, which is what a chiropractor uses to do adjustments.  Each adjustment to my hips, lower back, and neck was met with an audible “popping” that did not cause any pain or discomfort.  I was told that I may feel a little sore, almost like after a work out, and to drink plenty of water.  The soreness would be a result of the muscles around my spine being manipulated, but in 24 hours the soreness would subside and, if needed, I could ice the area.  At the end of my visit I was asked to set up a follow up appointment to review a comprehensive plan to get me back to wellness.

The bottom-line for Dr. Damron is that for long-term health and wellness to be successful, two things are essential – control and partnership. Each of his person should take control of their health but a partnership is also formed between himself, his team, and the individual for optimal results.

I’m happy to report that while I did get sore in my neck area it was completely resolved by the following morning.

Stay tuned for an update on my follow up visit to Damron Chiropractic and Wellness in the next blog post.

Personal Health Advocate

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Advocacy.  Every day we advocate for something:

  • our children and their needs
  • a nonprofit that is close to our heart
  • our local schools
  • our friends
  • our employer
  • our community

We have no problem advocating for the betterment of any of the above, yet how many of us can say that we place ourselves on that list?  When was the last time that you advocated for yourself, especially as it relates to our most precious gift – good health?

According to OxfordDictionary.com, the definition of an advocate is:

“a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.”

What we fail to realize is that a particular cause can be ourselves.  For if we are not taken care of then how can we be of good to anyone else?  Advocating for ourselves can mean many things, but for the sake of this blog our focus will be on health and wellness.  Patience is not a virtue as it relates to general good heath and overall wellness.  In fact, the trend today is emphasizing preventative care.  Taking time to prevent harm and illness to ourselves with key steps every day so ensure we are at our best.  Examples of those key steps can include – eating a balanced diet, exercising every day, getting adequate sleep, reducing stress,  and when a problem does surface, taking the time to remedy the situation to prevent a domino effect of other health issues.

There is a great quote from Benjamin Franklin that comes to mind when talking about preventative healthcare, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  How true it is.  While there probably isn’t one of us who hasn’t heard this saying before, I’m willing to bet that many of us do not really take it to heart.  Why?  Because it seems more natural to put others needs ahead of ourselves, more acceptable to advocate for others.  However, anyone going through a health crisis would tell you that the prevention is worth it, that investing the time and effort into better health is a very small price to pay for the best quality of life.  Don’t wait until you are that person in a health crisis that finally “gets it.”  Be the voice for yourself, and then inevitably others, for better health and wellness.  Because if you take care of yourself you can then take care of others.

The Impact of Technology On Our Youth

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Pain and discomfort does not discriminate, both young and old can suffer from it.  The most troubling is pain that our youth experience because we think “They’re too young for that.”  But the reality tells us otherwise.

Advances in technology has changed how schools educate and how we communicate. While this brings countless benefits it also has a ripple effect in that it causes us to remain in the same position for long periods of time whether working on a tablet or laptop in the classroom or engaging on social media.  It’s no wonder that our youngest generation suffers from chronic back pain, hunching over all that technology each and every day.  Think about it, doing anything for extended periods of time, maintaining the same position with our bodies will inevitably create tension and discomfort.  Our bodies simply were not designed to function in that way.

While we’d like to convince our kids to drop the phones and computers, this simply isn’t a reality.  In fact, it’s a lost cause because dropping the technology means giving up communicating with their friends, retrieving homework assignments, preparing class projects, and so on.  So what do we do to ensure their bodies are not compromised due to excessive use?
  • Keeping them aware of what doesn’t feel “right”
  • Being cognizant of what feels normal and what does not
  • Taking frequent breaks
  • Stretching
  • Changing positions
  • Addressing pain or discomfort if it persists

While it might be easy to take two ibuprofens and call it a day, it’s actually more like putting blinders on – if you can’t see it (or feel it) the problem has been solved, right?  Unfortunately this logic leads you back down the same road again and again.  There are times when addressing the problem head on provides the best solution for long-term success.  This could mean massage therapy, strength training, stretching exercises, or chiropractic care.  Devising a plan that keeps our bodies working as they should allows us to continue meeting the demands of today’s society, technology and all.  Having no plan is like walking around in the dark.  Sooner or later you’re going to hit something and it’s going to hurt.

The Stress “Norm”

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It’s difficult to slow down and “smell the roses” in a society that is conditioned to believe it’s normal to be busy, overscheduled, and that we can have it all – and at the same time.  While this may be true, it does come at a price.  Initially, we may not even realize that we are paying anything at all for our hectic lifestyles.  In fact, when everyone else is doing it too, it appears that we’re on the right track and destined for success whether it’s with our professional, personal, or family life.   Unfortunately, there comes a time when we see, and feel, what it cost us to live that life.

Stress is not necessarily bad for us.  There are times when stress can help elevate our game during an interview or important presentation, improve our performance, and help us survive danger.  Stress releases chemicals that create more energy and strength, plus keep us sharp and effective.  However, continual stress can take a negative toll on us, especially if we are not fully aware of it.

Every day we experience stress but many times that stress is barely palpable.  It may ebb and flow depending on the time of day, peaking during the rush to work, multi-tasking to get the dinner prepared and the kids homework completed, or meeting that project deadline by 4pm.  One moment of stress isn’t harmful, but if we look at our lives as an hourglass, where each grain of sand represents a stress, it quickly adds up.  Before we know it, our baseline for stress becomes higher because we have become accustomed to that new norm.  Our normal now is stress, we don’t know or feel any different.  We have conditioned ourselves quite well.

The problem with extended periods of stress is the effect it has on our bodies and therefore our quality of life.   The effects can be emotional, physical, and chemical.  Symptoms of prolonged stress include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle Tension and Contraction
  • Upset Stomach
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Chest Pain
  • Sleeping Problems
  • Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding
  • Moodiness and Short Temper
  • Frequent infections, colds

Being aware of the signs of stress is the first step towards improvement.  Then next is taking steps to identify the stressor(s) and addressing the impact it is causing on our body.  While there are many things we can do to recalibrate and improve things like:

  • Removing or minimizing exposure to the stressor
  • Meditation
  • Exercise
  • Improved sleep
  • Better nutrition

There are times though when seeking professional care is needed to help alleviate the problems caused by stress.   A Chiropractor can deliver that solution with their highly specialized training of the spine and the nervous system.  Providing adjustments releases tension that allows the body to slowly return to the optimal balanced and relaxed state.  It also improves blood circulation and reduces spinal nerve irritation that begins the process of healing.  There are also other therapies that a Chiropractor can recommend like massage therapy, relaxation techniques, and nutritional supplements.

While stress might be a permanent fixture in all of our lives, living with its repercussions doesn’t have to be.

 

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

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Why is it that when it comes to our automobiles we are like the dogs in the Pavlov experiments?  Each time an indicator light turns on we are conditioned to heed the warning and service our car.  Similarly, just how the bell would ring causing the dogs to salivate conditionally as they anticipated being fed.  The car is a source of freedom, bringing us to work and back home, taking us to our vacation destination, and out to cheer our favorite team.  Yet our most overlooked vehicle of freedom is our own body.  Granted, there are no indicator lights to tell us to get more sleep, start exercising, drink more fluids, or eat more protein, but there are indicators that, if we listen carefully, will tell us exactly what we need to know to ensure we stay on track with our health.

Our primary mode of transportation, our very selves, can never take a back seat.  In fact, ignorance, as it relates to our body, is not bliss especially as we get older.  Ignorance can cause bigger problems for ourselves and our quality of life which is something no one wants.  So, what are some of those “indicator lights” we should be looking for that tell us something is amiss with our body?

  • Chronic fatigue – do you wake up feeling just as tired as you did when you went to sleep the night before?
  • Migraines – do you find that most days you suffer from a headache?
  • Arthritis – do you feel your daily activities are restricted due to the pain and discomfort of arthritis or stiffness in your joints?
  • Sports injuries – is that old football injury causing you issues with your range of motion or pain?
  • Weight loss – have you hit a plateau with your weight loss goal and despite your best efforts feel stuck?

While the mechanic is the professional that addresses the needs of your car, a Doctor of Chiropractic is the health care professional specifically trained to address the needs of the human body through the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.   A chiropractor is focused on finding those “indicator lights” within our muscles, bones, joints and nerves to reveal the problem, identify its source, and then provide the appropriate course of treatment.

Remember, ignorance is not bliss, but rather a lack of ownership to our most important asset – our bodies.

Welcome to Damron Chiropractic

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Damron Chiropractic and Wellness Center is located at 3187 Western Row Road Suite, in Maineville, Ohio.  Our office is conveniently located for residents living in the Mason, Kings Mills, Landen, Lebanon, Loveland, Sycamore Township, Morrow and West Chester, Ohio areas. We accept most health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, worker’s compensation claims, personal injury claims, and anyone and everyone who wants to get better.

According to a recent article featured on webmd.com, 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking relief from back pain from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries and muscle strains. At Damron Chiropractic we practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment.  We put a strong emphasis on each patient and our primary goal is to provide quality care to improve your life.  Additionally, we often recommend therapeutic and  rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

 

Start Eating Right & Exercising NOW?!?!

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Tis the season; there is more chill in the air with each passing day. It is the peak of cold and flu season and the PERFECT time to get you and your family’s body healthy enough to fight sickness. However, what usually pops into our minds? “Well, the holidays are coming soon so there is no use exercising and eating right now…I’ll just ruin it anyway…”

This is the wrong state of mind. Even though we are most likely to overindulge this holiday season, now is the time to make sure we are not too far gone come the New Year. What if you were trying to make it up a mountain, would it make sense to first walk down into a mile deep valley before you started up that mountain? Why not go halfway up that mountain, even if you will have to come back down a quarter of the way? This way, when you begin up the mountain again, you will already be a portion of the way up. Just because you overindulge over the holidays doesn’t mean you are completely back to the base of the mountain. However, if you start from that deep valley, you are going to have a lot more work to do and a lot more to climb before you get to the top. So continue to exercise 3-5 days a week. Keep eating your fruits and vegetables (try more veggies than fruits), stay away from those processed foods, sugary snacks and drinks and keep yourself hydrated!

Getting up that mountain is hard enough as it is…don’t make more work by taking the wrong mindset. Give yourself a fighting chance to reach the top of you and your family’s mountain!

“Fall Sports – Keep your children HEALTHY & HAPPY”

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Summer is coming to an end. Weather is becoming cooler. Alarms are waking earlier and kids are returning to school. The start of the school year also means fall sports are coming into full swing. With that in mind, I wanted to give you, the parents of these athletes, the top 5 things you can do to give your child a healthy and productive season.

  1. Adequate Water Intake – This means drink plenty of WATER. Fruit juice, soda pop, and sports drinks DO NOT hydrate your children (or you). These drinks are loaded with sugar and push even more water from their bodies.
  2. Adequate Food Intake – Your children need energy; especially when they are performing in sports. Make sure they eat a nutritious breakfast, full of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and veggies. Be sure they also continue this throughout the day. If they don’t put the fuel in their bodies to produce that energy, their tanks will be running on empty.
  3. At Least 8 Hours of Sleep – They also need rest. The hours of deep REM sleep is when our bodies heal themselves and allow growth. If they are not getting adequate sleep, they will be wearing themselves down and could be the start of possible injury soon down the road.
  4. New Injury? Get Them Check Out – If your child complains of any new pain or injury, get them checked out by a professional immediately. A small injury not treated and not allowed to heal correctly can lead to a longer more damaging injury later in the season or year.
  5. Concussions Should Not Be Taken Lightly – There is a reason you’ve heard about it in the news. When a person sustains a concussion, it means that their brain has slammed into the inside of the skull…which is NOT supposed to happen. It is the equivalent of your face hitting the windshield during an accident. If your child complains of any of the following symptoms, take them to a professional immediately: any loss of consciousness, memory problems, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, headache, nausea or vomiting.

High school sports are becoming increasingly demanding with each passing year. Couple that with a demanding class load, and you have a child with a busy fall ahead. If your child does sustain an injury and you feel like the trainers or medical personnel are being inadequate in your child’s care, do not hesitate to get a second opinion. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep your child as healthy and happy as possible. Because, with a healthy, happy child comes a happy, less stressful parent.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Andrew Damron, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Damron established DCW because he was fed up with the current health model. Statistics continue to show an increase in pharmaceutical prescriptions to patients every day. Although he does believe some medications are necessary, he believes the majority of what is prescribed is actually harmful to the patient’s long-term health, creating another set of healthcare issues as a result. Dr. Damron believes DCW’s unique approach to achieving overall wellness will revolutionize the healthcare industry through collaborative care utilizing chiropractic, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutrition. The DCW focus addresses the whole person versus a only symptom and uncovers the root cause. He also believes that education is vital to sustaining a healthier more vibrant lifestyle as well. His goal is to create a healthier society and a better place for our children to live.
Dr. Damron began his medical career with a Biology Degree from Wright State University in 2002. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Chiropractic from the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida in 2007. While attending Palmer, he had the opportunity to travel abroad to Madagascar and provide chiropractic care to the native Malagasy people. Dr. Damron has continued his post-graduate studies with a focus on nutrition, rehabilitation, and functional medicine.
Dr. Damron and his wife, Kristy, reside in West Chester with their two young children, Graden and Isabelle. An avid Buckeye fan, Dr. Damron enjoys playing the guitar in a band with his college friends, watching/playing any sport, cooking, reading, and attending concerts, especially the Dave Matthews Band and Foo Fighters.

Dr. Greg Washam, Chiropractor

Why ChiropracticProfessional Experience Personal Information
Dr. Washam was introduced to Chiropractic by his mother at the age of 16. She was working for a Chiropractor at the time, experiencing all the benefits that Chiropractic care had to offer, and thus began taking Dr. Washam and his siblings in for regular adjustments. Dr. Washam had been experiencing painful bouts of Strep Throat from the age of 8, which always included a 10 day course of antibiotics. While under Chiropractic care his doctor convinced him to avoid the antibiotics and receive Chiropractic adjustments instead. To his amazement, Dr. Washam’s strep throat symptoms had vanished within three days and he never had an issue from that point forward. He was so astounded by his experience that he fell in love with Chiropractic and decided that was the path for him. He wanted to commit his life to helping people through the power of Chiropractic, just as it had helped him.
Dr. Greg Washam began his college education at the University of Cincinnati, studying biology. After he made the decision to become a Chiropractor, he attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. While at Logan, he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Life Sciences in 2009. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2011. Dr. Washam was presented with various awards upon graduation. These included Dean’s List honors, the Senior Intern Assistant Award, and the Award of Excellence from the Division of Research. He has completed many hours of post graduate education focusing on nutrition, supplementation and injury recovery.
Dr. Washam and his wife Kassie reside in Mason, Oh with their two daughters, Lillian and Wren. In his free time, Dr. Washam enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, touring local craft breweries and reading. He also spends a great deal of time outdoors with his family and his Beagle, Willow. Dr. Washam is a music enthusiast and listens to all genres of music. He especially loves classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s. His favorite band of all time is Led Zeppelin.

Brooke Snyder, Operations Manager

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Brooke had never been to a medical office where she really felt like they cared more about her than her money until she came to DCW as a patient. DCW made it so easy to arrange financial payment with, they were compassionate, dedicated and most importantly 100% honest. The team addressed all aspects of her health and well-being, above and beyond chiropractic care. Her initial impression of chiropractic offices were that they would only adjust then send her on her way. She realized that she was wrong. Because of her experience as a patient at DCW she realized she wanted to pursue a career within it. She saw everything she wanted in healthcare at DCW. Finally, a place where patient care really comes first! She comes to DCW with a degree in Nursing and a background in finance. When someone asks her “Why DCW?” she cannot think of one reason why not.
Brooke has a background in business finance and computer technology prior to the start of her medical career. She attended Southern State and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Science, R.N. Sh began working from DCW in December of 2014.
Brooke has five beautiful girls from 15 to 6 years old. She is married to Jamey Snyder who has two boys of his own. She lives on a two acre farm in the country with horses, dogs, cats, and a pot belly pig. Brooke enjoys spending time with her very active family and watching their kids play sports.

Nicole Foreman, Licensed Massage Therapist

Why MassageProfessional Experience Personal Information
Nicole always wanted a career that was focused on helping people. It wasn’t until she drove past the Dayton School of Medical Massage on a daily basis that it became clear what she was meant to do. She enrolled as soon as she could and it has been the best decision she has ever made. She loves the feeling of knowing she has alleviated someone’s pain and possibly made their day better in some way. She had been working alongside chiropractors for over 7 years before joining the DCW team. Before DCW she never really felt her opinions and insights were valued or even asked for, which she felt hindered patient care and the effectiveness of each treatment. At DCW she feels valued and part of a practice that is focused on changing the approach of wellness with cohesive and effective patient care.
Nicole is a graduate of the Dayton School of Medical Massage and obtained her license in 2008. She utilizes Deep Tissue, Swedish and Thai massage techniques to relieve pain, tension, and stress while increasing range of motion and flexibility.
Nicole is married to her husband of 5 years and they one daughter, Rylee, and one child on the way due in September 2016. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking and spending time at the lake during the summer.

Erika Pantona, Insurance Specialist

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
Erika started coming to DCW in 2010 after spending two years in substantial pain after an injury. She had spent those two years at various specialists and taking medications to simply get up in the morning due to the pain. She was 18 when she found herself facing a major, life altering surgery (SI Fusion) and realized there must be another way. When she began her treatment plan at DCW she started to have days with little or no pain. She stopped taking her medications and realized they had been affecting her overall mood. In 2015 Erika joined the DCW team because they allowed her to live her life once again. She wants to prevent others from living in pain like she did unnecessarily, and to receive the benefits of chiropractic care.
Erika is well versed in the insurance industry with her previous employment at Express Scripts and Anthem.
Erika has two siblings and resides in Liberty Township. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and hiking with her family.

Amy Faris, Patient Care Coordinator

Why DCWProfessional Experience Personal Information
After moving to Ohio in 2010, I was in need of some relief from minor pain associated with working in customer service fields for 15 years. I was interested in seeking alternative forms of therapy and found a chiropractor in our small town. After going for a few visits, the therapy seemed somewhat outdated compared to what I had researched. In talking with my husband, he remembered that he knew someone who was a chiropractor. After just a few visits with Dr. Damron, I definitely noticed a difference in his techniques and style. It was nice to see results and feel like I was being listened to as a patient, not just heard…something you don’t always feel with doctors. After being a patient for several years, the opportunity came about to join the DCW team. It would be something different from what I had done in my past, however I knew my passion for working with people would translate well into helping patients receive the best care possible. I believed in the mission of DCW as a patient, and I am excited to be part of living that mission every day. 
 I am originally from St. Louis, MO. I graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Secondary Education – Language Arts. I worked in restaurant/catering management for several years before starting a career in retail management and training.
In that position, I met my husband, Matt, who is from Wilmington, OH. After we got married in 2010, I moved to Wilmington. Realizing retail wasn’t where my heart was any longer, I began working as a substitute teacher in the Clinton County area. Matt and I live in Wilmington with our 6 year old German Shepard, Dale. I enjoy camping, boating, riding 4-wheelers, and spending time with family and friends. I love St. Louis Cardinals baseball and am a recently converted Cincinnati Bengals fan.

HOURS

Monday: 10-1 and 3-7

Tuesday: 2-6

Wednesday: 10-1 and 3-7

Thursday: 10-1 and 3-6

Friday: Closed

Saturday: By Appointment Only

CONTACT INFO

Damron Chiropractic and Wellness

Address:
    3187 Western Row Road Suite 114
    Maineville, OH 45039

Office:
     (513) 770-3434

Email:
    info@damronchiropractic.com