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Avoid the “Perfect Storm” of Disease-Care

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In 2000, George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg starred in the movie “The Perfect Storm”. It is based on the true story of a commercial fishing vessel lost at sea during a storm. This storm was exceedingly rare due to the combination of adverse weather factors. In the chiropractic world, we see a lot of people who got caught in a perfect storm. Negative and unpredictable factors affect their lives in such a way that their quality of life is significantly diminished. Factors such as:

  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • car accident
  • work related injury
  • smoking
  • poor diet
  • diabetes
  • obesity
  • chronic pain

Some factors can be self-made, others can be simply bad luck or hereditary. Either way, these factors can create a perfect storm that equates to illness. At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness our goal is wellness for life. We take a person’s perfect storm and work with them utilizing chiropractic, rehabilitation, massage and nutrition.

We hear a lot about disease care with people suffering from chronic conditions. Rarely is there any press on wellness. Wellness means that a person is feeling good and looking good. In our world, being well means the perfect storm is over and that person can get back to doing what they love with a higher quality of life.

Life can give us lemons, and lots of them. But we do have a choice. We can choose to settle for what life hands us or decide to seek help. This does not mean using a band-aid approach either, as tempting as that might be. Rather, it means finding a resolution once and for all by ignoring disease-care. Disease-care actually cares for the disease and not finding out what is causing it in the first place. The presenting symptoms may appear to be coming from the leg, but it is really nerve interference in the spine. Treating the leg pain with disease-care does not address the nerve interference in the spine. Consequently, the leg pain will return. That is not wellness.

If you suspect a perfect storm in your life there is a solution. Life happens, but wellness does not, unless you decide to seek it out.

Medications Are Not Our “Norm”

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Have you ever been in a situation where someone leaves you speechless? And not speechless in a good way, either. While at a recent holiday gathering, a friend was talking about her recent health scare. However, the way she said it, one could tell it wasn’t a scare at all. It was almost as if it was her “norm”, therefore she was okay with it. You see, she was admitting that she had a problem, but was acting as if she didn’t because nothing changed. She continued to live her life as she had been, medications and all.

Prescription medications offer us a chance to cover up what is wrong with us, rather than correct it. From type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pain. This approach gives us a false sense of reality and the impression that life is full of quick fixes. It also sends the false message that we can continue to treat our body poorly and get away with it. We cannot help that we feel this way because modern media has inundated us with this incorrect message. It’s almost as if big business never wants us to think for ourselves.

The scary truth is that a vast majority of our society thinks this way. In 2015, the north american pharmaceutical industry represented almost 50% of the global market, which totals $1072 billion! What would happen to this industry if people treated their bodies differently? If they fed themselves whole foods, exercised regularly, drank alcohol in moderation, didn’t smoke, got sufficient sleep, and watched their weight. Would we behave differently if we didn’t have a safety net in medications?

In this new year, perhaps one of your resolutions should be one that seeks the truth, while also one that stops you from settling for less than. Rip off those band-aids you are using to cover up the real problem, be it your excess weight, chronic pain, high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Empower yourself to live your best life without the crutches. If you are on any medications, ask yourself why? Do you have control over whether or not you are on them? Or can you change your life in such a way that you no longer need them?

Stop settling and making assumptions about your health, but most of all love yourself enough to do something about it.

Good Health Does Not Equal a Diet

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One of the most successful women in the world is Oprah Winfrey. From her early days as a talk show host to a producer and actress later. As her career evolved so did her weight. On the television screen we have seen Oprah’s weight fluctuate between the extremes as she tried different diets. Most recently, this legendary woman has done something we can all learn from. She has let go of the hold food has had on her and instead uses it to nourish and sustain her. But, most importantly, she uses it to connect herself with others.

As we approach the new year and the habitual pull of the need to commit to a resolution, perhaps it’s time to change it up. The top resolution for last year, according to Statistic Brain, was to lose weight. While that may not be surprising, what is is the failure rate. Only 8% of those surveyed who made a resolution succeeded. We learned from Oprah’s visibility that a special diet simply does not work in the long run. While weight loss is initially achieved, it is simply not sustainable. Why? Because life happens.

Even our best intentions cannot stop life from happening. Our schedules change at the last minute, we get sick, sustain an injury, travel for business. Non-sustainable diets reveal themselves because we don’t have what we need when we need it, leaving us to find something else to eat. We cannot live in a vacuum. Oprah teaches us that our relationship with our wellness is an intimate one. Food is an essential piece of our overall health. It is the fuel that sustains us, ideally for the long haul.

However, probably even more important than Oprah’s food message is her new perspective on her own health. Being healthy is not about being skinny. It is not about losing weight for the sake of losing weight. Rather, it is about honoring you. Honoring your uniqueness and not trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Being active, eating a healthy diet, getting sufficient sleep, being joyful, not smoking and drinking in moderation are all important steps in living well. Healthy does not equal skinny. It actually equals a lifestyle.

In this new year, change your perspective on what it means to thrive. Feed your soul, nourish your body. Treat it as the temple it really is. With honor and respect.

Is Weight Holding You Back?

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Quality of life not only affects the individual but also those around them as well. Take the reality show My 600-lb. Life. While the show centers around the person with the weight problem, the family is also involved. Children, spouses, significant others, parents. The problem affects them, too, because the family unit is tied to the care of the obese loved one. While this is an extreme example, it reveals the ripple effect of a chronic condition on the person themselves  to those who surround them.

This is a different perspective on resolutions as we approach the new year. Typically we hear others say they want to lose weight or get in shape or take better care of themselves. Reality tells us that most resolutions fail. But maybe they wouldn’t if we upped the ante. If our success or failure at living better only seems to affect ourselves, then win or lose, we only have ourselves to blame. However, if our success or failure affects our children, spouse, or family, then that’s a different story altogether, isn’t it? We hurt others by failing to live a healthier life. It could be the extra weight that prevents us from being active or chronic pain that limits our mobility. Living on the sidelines as our family plays in the game of life. Don’t we owe it to them to be the best version of ourselves?

Whether it’s extra weight, pain, weakness, or an old injury that is holding us back, chiropractic care can help. There is a root cause to your problem. Drop the excuses, look around you and ask yourself these questions:

  • “How is my quality of life affecting those around me?”
  • “Have I really tried everything in my power to improve my situation?”
  • “What am I afraid of?”
  • “Am I really living my best life?”

Honest answers is the goal, because anything less is a disservice to you and those who love you. Resolve to change your situation in the new year rather than make excuses. You can enjoy the quality of life you deserve by making that resolution.

Knee Pain

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Knee pain. There can be many causes for it. Initially we might ignore it, that is until it starts to interfere with our daily life. When that happens our immediate reaction is thinking we need surgery. Pain equals problem, right? While the pain does indicate there is a problem, it doesn’t necessarily mean surgery. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

Recently, a patient came into the office for her periodic adjustment. Dr. Damron noticed that she was limping. When he asked her why she explained she had been experiencing knee pain. She was having trouble walking up and down stairs and the pain was even keeping her up at night. She indicated that her parents felt she had a torn meniscus and should get in to have an MRI. Dr. Damron asked if he could take a look.

His assessment revealed not a torn meniscus but rather a patella (or knee cap) was not tracking as it should. The reason had to do with her IT band (iliotibial band) which is a ligament that runs down the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin. It appeared that it was tight and inflamed which was causing the knee to become destabilized. An unstable knee cap will cause it to pull to one side or another. A common phrase heard when this occurs is patella tracking.

Dr. Damron’s course of recommended treatment included leg exercises that focused on strengthening the knee and relaxing the IT band with a foam roller. The first night the patient was able to sleep without pain. A major milestone! The following day she was able to walk up and down stairs a bit more freely without debilitating pain. The pain was still there, but it was much more tolerable only after two exercise sessions.

In conclusion, it’s is important to drop assumptions when it comes to pain. That pain does not equate surgery. Most importantly, that chiropractors do far more than simply provide spinal adjustments. Their scope of care encompasses the entire body with a holistic approach that minimizes healthcare costs. If you have yet to see a chiropractor, perhaps it’s time to align yourself with one in the new year to give yourself exactly what your body needs.

 

Challenge the Status Quo

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Hindsight is 20/20, right? You know that because you’ve heard people say, “if only I knew then what I know now.” Many times our own ignorance prevents us from considering other options to make a better decision. We are content with the status quo. In the field of chiropractic, it’s those hindsight people who find themselves seeking care from a chiropractor. These individuals realize that they initially let their preconceived ideas lead them down the wrong path of care. The price paid for this choice was a misdiagnosis, money, time, and experiencing pain longer than necessary.

The point of this post is to emphasize a basic fact of human nature. We are much more cynical than we realize. Take, for example, the presidential debates. It was obvious that no one was listening to the other. There are many “great divides” out there from:

  • political parties
  • religions
  • schools
  • countries
  • medicine

Depending on how we were raised and our life experiences, we may significantly limit ourselves by sticking with what we know rather than challenging the status quo. Imagine if the status quo was never challenged as we look back over history. The New World would never have been discovered, electricity would not have been invented, man would never have landed on the moon nor taken flight. Not accepting the status quo, or majority thinking, means dealing with people who oppose what you are doing. It means taking what is known and dispelling what was believed to be true. Imagine how much courage it took to continue on anyways.

Chiropractic is a field many consider to challenge the status quo. Modern medicine dominates our lives. While modern medicine has done incredible things, it has also completely overshadowed the benefits of other forms of health care. This dominance has created a mindset that accepts modern medicine as the status quo, questioning anything that is conflicting, like chiropractic. But just like Christopher Columbus, Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, and Neil Armstrong, the world became a better place. Mankind’s quality of life improved. Benefits were gained that were not realized before. The field of chiropractic is the same type of scenario.

More and more people recognize the need to advocate for themselves. Doing so changes their mindset on what it means to be truly healthy. Challenge the status quo when it comes to chiropractic care and you can change your world.

Why Student Athletes Need Rehabilitation

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Over a million high school students play a sport, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (August 2016). The highest percentage play football, followed by track and field, basketball and soccer. Farther down the list is volleyball, baseball, cross country, softball, tennis, plus swimming and diving. This is great news in light of the current health crisis in the rise of obesity. However, this is also a warning. Injuries within the student athlete group cannot be overlooked nor minimized.

Unfortunately, in many situations they are, due to various reasons:

  • a state title is on the line,
  • the fear of losing a college scholarship,
  • missing out of the competition and fun,
  • or the pain isn’t “that bad.”

There are long term ramifications for this mindset. Therefore, advocate for your student athlete by closely monitoring their sport participation and actively look for potential problems.

The goal is to prevent serious injury, in addition to keeping the body working at it’s peak performance. Also, not creating a ripple effect of other injuries, too. This approach allows the student athlete to enjoy life, long after their sport years are over. Pain-free.

Football is a dangerous sport, even with all the protective gear. The older the player, the harder the hits. Sustaining even a mild injury creates future problems if not addressed immediately. However, all too often, the player jumps right back into the game, never giving the injury time to heal. With the body already compromised, the additional micro-traumas add up faster.

In these situations, rehabilitation is essential. With a shoulder injury, the student athlete might notice a popping sound while lifting weights as he conditions. This popping sound is due to weakened muscles and tendons that can no longer hold the shoulder in place. With proper rehabilitation, those muscles and tendons can be strengthened to hold the shoulder in the socket and eliminate the popping.

The best approach is to align your student athlete with a professional that specializes in rehabilitation. Most of all, be proactive in an investment in your child’s future.

Optional Chronic Pain

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Many of us live with pain at some point in our life. Sometimes the pain is acute, or temporary. And sometimes it’s chronic, or much more permanent. Either way, we have a choice as to how we treat it. Taking steps to correct the pain or steps to cover it up. With temporary pain, such as pain that accompanies a surgery or injury, we tend to do what we can to tolerate it until it heals. With chronic pain, we typically start out that way, too. We do things to cover up the pain because we want to believe that it is really temporary. However, we soon realize how wrong we were.

It is not uncommon to hear that a person has “lived with” pain for a long time, especially in our line of work. But when they finally do seek care at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, why now? Why at that particular point in time? What changed?

When it comes to pain, and living with it, we do not live in a vacuum. While our pain may be a constant, we continue to age, life changes. Usually what we find is that the pain a person is experiencing has begun to interfere with something they treasure be it their golf swing, holding their child, sleeping at night, or remaining active. The ‘living with” has suddenly become something they are no longer willing to do. You see, the pain did not change, the person’s situation did.

If we are to be honest with ourselves, we would admit that settling for “living with” was unacceptable. We chose to diminish our quality of life by doing nothing but covering up the pain. But the problem has bigger implications. We also run the risk of doing more permanent damage to our body due to inflammation and overcompensation from the rest of our body as it adjusts to live with the pain.

Procrastination does more harm than good when it comes to pain. We would do ourselves a huge favor if we addressed our pain head on. No more excuses.

Vertigo

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Remember going to the playground as a kid and jumping on one of those spinning wheels with your friends? You know the one. It was metal with handlebars  you would hold on to as you ran beside the wheel. Making the wheel spin faster and faster until you would all jump on and hold on for dear life. The world would be spinning around you until the wheel slowed to a stop. Getting off the wheel was the most amusing part because no one could walk a straight line without falling over from being dizzy. That is a temporary case of vertigo. Or the spinning one feels even though nothing is moving.

Unfortunately, vertigo is something that many people suffer from, but not from the rides on a playground. The sensation of spinning or dizziness associated with it can plague an individual for minutes, hours, or even days. Vertigo is not a medical condition but rather a symptom of an underlying problem from one of two causes:

  • A disturbance in the balance organs of the inner ear (peripheral).
  • Or, a disturbance in parts of the brain or sensory nerve pathways (central).

In both cases, there are other symptoms that can manifest themselves in addition to the spinning sensation a person might feel such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

What many people do not realize is that chiropractic adjustments are effective at eliminating the symptoms of vertigo. It can be an interference in the nerves of the spine or the result of a common cold. The bottom-line is that it is important to remember that treating a symptom, like vertigo, does not address the true problem. So, medications and surgery are only band-aids.

There can be an end to a person’s suffering. They no longer need to settle for a life where a symptom like vertigo is accepted. Seek the care of a chiropractor and stop the spinning once and for all.

Tinnitus (Ringing In the Ears)

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It might surprise you to learn that tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears, is one of the most common health ailments in our country. Over 50 million Americans suffer from this condition, which can range from annoying to debilitating. That is 15% of the population!  Although the name implies ringing, other common sounds can be “buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, and clicking,” according to the American Tinnitus Association.

There are four types of tinnitus:

  • subjective tinnitus – where only the person experiencing the sound can hear it (accounts for 99% of cases).
  • objective tinnitus – this is extremely rare where the person and others can hear the sound. This is typically caused by the internal functions of the body such as circulation or muscular-skeletal system.
  • neurological tinnitus – is usually caused by a disorder such as Meniere’s disease that affects the auditory system.
  • somatic tinnitus – is part of the nervous system that connects the limbs and organs to the brain and spinal cord.

Interestingly, when researching this condition, chiropractic care is often overlooked as a reliable and effective treatment option for those looking for relief. The truth is that pressure and irritation in the cervical spine, specifically the C1 and C2 vertebrae, are the cause of the ringing symptoms. However, the noise that one hears when suffering from tinnitus is not the problem. It is only the indicator light that something is wrong.

In addition to the ringing, sufferers also experience:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • irritability
  • confusion
  • sleep disturbances
  • mood swings
  • poor concentration

The cervical spine is the most important area of the spine due to it’s close proximity to the brain stem. A chiropractor’s goal is not only to relieve the pressure and irritation that is creating the ringing symptom but also to determine the root cause for it. For every person the cause will be different, which means that each person’s care plan will also be different.

Quality of life is very important to us at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness. You can take control of your health by changing your path in life from “disease care” to “wellness care.” Come to DCW to thrive!

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 9-1 & 2-6

Tuesday 9-1 & 2-6

Wednesday 9-1 & 2-6

Thursday 9-1 & 2-6

Friday 8-11

Saturday and Sunday CLOSED

Contact information

 3187 Western Row Road Suite 114
    Maineville, OH 45039

Office:
     (513) 770-3434

Email:
    info@damronchiropractic.com