Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

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Addressing Pain Once and for All

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At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW), people come to us who have been told by other health care practitioners that they were unable to help them. Usually the reason was because they could not determine the source of their problem. The person is typically referred to other specialists, only to be given the same information. How frustrating and expensive this situation can be. Fortunately, collaborative care through chiropractic, therapeutic massage, rehabilitation, and nutrition provides the solution that person has been searching for all along.

Imagine being given a band-aid to stop the bleeding of a deep cut that really needs stitches. Is that the best solution? Would that effectively stop the blood flow? Yet, many of us accept that reality when we take pain medications if there is no long-term solution. While the pain may subside, the problem still persists. When does the cycle end?

Solutions. People like them. We also like to live without pain. So, how can one get an effective solution to their pain, without the band-aid approach of pain medications? The answer is chiropractic care. The approach and results are unique to this field of health care.

Chiropractic is a holistic approach, meaning the entire body and it’s systems are considered in a diagnosis rather than only one or two. For example, a patient with bladder pain is typically treated for their bladder pain. But what if the problem persists, even after treatment. The patient could be referred to urology. But what if nothing is found and the problem still persists? Perhaps this scenario sounds familiar to you, however with another type of pain like the head, back, leg, or neck. How was that pain resolved? Is there still pain?

Time and again we see patients that have found no solutions from other doctors. As almost a last resort they decide to see a chiropractor. The results are profound. It’s time to change the perception of chiropractic care for the 80% of the population that has never seen a chiropractor. Rather than trying to convince you of the benefits, we encourage you to check out our Google and Facebook reviews to learn more.

 

Treating Pain and Inflammation

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Treating pain and inflammation in the U.S. focuses less on the underlying cause and more on the symptoms of pain, especially when it is chronic. It is a temporary solution that only masks the real problem. While the patient may experience pain relief, it is only a band-aid approach that is accompanied by health risks. Risks from the medicine prescribed to the body’s response to the pain.

Chronic pain typically goes hand-in-hand with inflammation, which is how the body protects itself from injury. The role of the inflammation response is to:

  • remove harmful stimuli such as damaged cells, irritants or pathogens.
  • begin the healing process.
  • restore the body to normal function.

A prolonged state of inflammation increases the risk of other diseases especially as we age. Poor lifestyle choices and a sedentary lifestyle are sources of inflammation which has a detrimental effect body’s ability to effectively process it. This gradual decline over the years opens the door to conditions such as arthritis, chronic fatigue, sciatica, fibromyalgia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Somehow we expect our body to withstand constant stress, day after day, year after year and remain unaffected by it.

Western medicine typically treats chronic pain with anti-inflammatory medicines. These medications are associated with long-term health problems, in addition to addiction. A better solution that avoids these pitfalls is chiropractic care. Why? Because pain is resolved through a combination of spinal adjustments, massage, proper nutrition, and rehabilitation. Identifying the cause of the pain allows for effective treatment of it.

Today, more and more people are choosing to see a chiropractor when experiencing chronic pain. And finally reclaiming their lives in the process.

 

The Chiropractic Care Conundrum

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There are a lot of things in life we don’t question because we make assumptions and trust the source. We don’t question the gasoline that is put in our car, the dyes used to color our hair, the restaurants we dine at, the chemicals on our lawn, or the safety of the cars we drive. However, there are still times when we do question things in life, too, but perhaps not truly understanding why. Take, for example, the distrust of a field of medicine that is not considered “mainstream,” such as chiropractic care. Why do we trust the food we eat, the gasoline we purchase, the chemicals we put on our lawn and hair, yet question the integrity of a medical profession that is committed to genuine health and wellness for over 100 years?

Education is the only way to change this perception of chiropractic care. Unfortunately, society has been conditioned to believe what they see and hear. Print and television ads become the truth. But just because it is advertised does that really mean we take that information at face value? What is typically best for us cannot always be advertised.

So, how can the public be educated? Ownership falls on each of us. It is our duty to advocate for ourselves. Taking the time to research from reputable sources versus relying on what might be skewed information from a paid ad. Another consideration is our own willingness to actually put in the work for our well-being. In a society of instant gratification, obtaining a life of health and wellness means we are not a bystander. We are an active participant that is fully invested in the outcome. There are no quick solutions, but there are long-term rewards.

Change your perspective through education. Learn as much as you can about how you can truly work towards living your best life now without taking any shortcuts.

Reasons to Avoid the Flu Vaccine

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Modern conveniences typically comes with a price. Microwave ovens, for example, just do not make food as good as the oven and the use of plastics in them is concerning. Instant coffee is another modern convenience designed to give us more time. However, the price we pay is with taste. Boxed hair color is also convenient, but our hair lacks depth when we use it. Fast food restaurants come with poor nutritional content. We pay the price with added weight and other potential health issues. More recently, there has been debate over the modern convenience of the flu vaccination and the potential harmful side effects.

Receiving a flu vaccination comes with a price. However, before we go there, let’s look at why this modern convenience is so readily available. Walk into just about any pharmacy and you will undoubtedly see signs advertising that you can receive a flu shot there. Chances are there is also an added perk involved, too. Perks like a “free” flu shot, a discount to shop that day in the store after you receive your vaccination, or a voucher for some future savings.

The reality is that nothing is really free. Someone needs to pay. While it may not be you initially, you can be assured that your insurance company will be billed and the pharmacy will receive the reimbursement for that flu shot. Pharmacies also receive additional revenue if you choose to take advantage of any other discounts offered on purchases made. That’s a big win for that company!

Now, you might be thinking, “But I win, because now I am protected against getting the flu this season!” But, are you really? At best, the flu vaccination is 50% effective because no one knows which strain of the flu will arrive that year. Receiving the shot means we are also introducing a known neurotoxin into our system as well, thimerosal.

The good news is that we do not need this modern day convenience to protect ourselves from getting the flu. Our body has the built-in ability to protect through the nervous system. This is the hub that controls all the other systems in our body. If not functioning at 100%, then neither will the other systems that it controls. Regular chiropractic care keeps the nervous system functioning at 100% with spinal adjustments. These adjustments prevent the nerves along the spine from becoming irritated from daily wear and tear on our body. Irritation causes inflammation which in turn affects the adjoining vertebrae and its alignment. Compromised nerves impacts the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the other systems of our body.

Give your body the best defense you can this flu season. Arm yourself with all the benefits of chiropractic care.

Neck Pain

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Neck pain is not synonymous with getting older. However, many of us equate getting older with aches and pains. Below is a testimonial from one of our patients about how she thought just that. That is until she was referred to Damron Chiropractic & Wellness:

“I started at Damron on the referral of my massage therapist and, to be honest, I was not expecting a whole lot. I had lived with pain in my neck and lower back for so long I did not even realize there was something wrong. Or that it even could be fixed! Dr. Damron and crew took me in right away. They made me feel part of their family and I started getting better!

The improvements did not last long. Dr Damron explained that in order for the results to stay, I needed to strengthen my muscles so they would remain in the correct alignment. Made sense. So, I started seeing Jaimie Hensley, DCW’s Rehabilitation Coordinator, three times a week. That’s when things really started to work! The exercises Jaimie has me do, seem innocent enough, but they aren’t! They really work! And the stretching exercises she has me do simply make me feel good!! I am now about finished with my rehab program. My lower back is at about 100% and my neck is almost there. To top it off, I have more muscle tone, lost some weight and I feel so much better about myself than when I started!”

– Lynn Zimmer

The truth is that getting older can be a wonderful thing. You can be fit, feel good, and pain-free. The choice is ours as to which path we choose. We don’t need to learn to live with neck pain, back pain, or any pain for that matter.

Chiropractic Adjustment Answer

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a chiropractic adjustment can help minimize your health concerns.

Aches and pains. The older we get, the more we seem to have them. Some we know the reason why, but some we don’t. Raking leaves means our back will ache the next. But, what if we wake up one morning and suddenly have pain radiating from our shoulder and don’t know why?

Recently, I had an experience like that. While getting myself ready one morning I felt a sharp pain to the right of my sternum as I was putting a necklace on. It hurt when I inhaled and bent over to put my shoes on. The mind begins to race when we have unexplained pain. We begin to think about all the things it could be – cancer, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm – lots of bad things. It’s a natural reaction and I did the same thing.

The pain continued throughout the morning. Shortly before noon I asked Dr. Damron what it could be that was causing my chest to hurt, especially when I inhaled. Without hesitation he responded, “Oh, you have a rib out of place.” I looked at him in disbelief. He then added, “This is common, but fixable.” A chiropractic adjustment was my solution. Immediately following the adjustment I noticed an improvement in my pain level. Dr. Damron told me that I would be sore for the rest of the day but should be much better the following morning. He was right.

I was sore for the rest of the day, but it was much more manageable. I also wasn’t worried it was some life threatening disease. The next morning I was pain-free. It was relief to know that the pain had an explanation and it was addressed rather quickly with an adjustment. How many times do we find ourselves going to various doctors to determine the cause of our pain? Think of the costs involved. At DCW established patients receive same day care and better results.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

Pain and the Choices We Make

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Imagine two closed doors. You have a choice as to which one you will open. The only information you have been given to help you decide is the following:

Behind the first door is something that you are familiar with. The results you are looking for are not 100%. It may cost you more, but there are no surprises. 

Behind the second door is something that you are not familiar with. However, the results you are looking for are closer to your ideal. It costs less but there are surprises, ones you will like.

You have two options because of a health problem that is affecting your quality of life, pain. So, given the two options, which door do you choose?

A recent study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) revealed three reasons to choose the second door – “superior satisfaction ratings, reduced costs, and similar outcomes to medical care.” Chiropractic care represents the second door. The first door the care received by a medical doctor (MD). Not surprisingly, most of the U.S. population chooses to visit a medical doctor first when it comes to relieving pain. In the study, 403 patients saw a medical doctor and 316 patients saw a chiropractor as their first choice of care for “their spinal, hip, or shoulder pain.” A questionnaire was completed on day 1 and at 4-months to evaluate the patients pain, the care received, and the costs of care.

The results of the study:

  • Patients treated by a chiropractor experienced a greater reduction in pain.
  • Patients treated by a medical doctor first were less likely to be satisfied with the care they received.
  • Those treated by a chiropractor were more satisfied with the outcome of the care they received.
  • The costs were much lower for those who were treated by a chiropractor.

Now, given what you have learned, which door would you choose?

Why You Should Treat Pain Like an Injury

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Have you ever wondered why many of us do not treat our pain like we treat an injury we sustain? It’s important to understand why we should view them equally.

Remember when you were growing up and your parents would send you upstairs because they were entertaining? The expectation was that you would not interrupt the evening unless there was an actual emergency. To head downstairs because your brother or sister was hogging the television simply would not cut it. To make it crystal clear your parents would say something like, “Unless someone is bleeding or the house is on fire, do not come downstairs.” That was some serious business. There was no question as to what constituted a situation that needed immediate attention. If only the rest of life was that crystal clear.

Pain is one of those things that would be much easier to deal with if its source was obvious. Unfortunately, we usually decide to dismiss the discomfort, take medications, or simply live with it. But what if we decided to treat pain like we would an injury, such as a broken bone or other trauma? If we did that, far fewer people would willingly accept settling for a lower quality of life. The cause of symptom would be addressed correctly and the needless suffering would be over. Perhaps it’s time to change our perception of what defines an injury and how to go about true healing.

What we don’t realize is that there are solutions to resolving our pain. Solutions that many of us have never considered because of misconceptions and misinformation. One solution in particular is the care provided by a chiropractor. This specialist takes a holistic approach, where the nerves in the spine communicate with every part of the body. An interruption in any of these nerve communications creates symptoms such as pain. With chiropractic treatments such as:

  • adjustments
  • decompression
  • therapeutic massage
  • traction
  • electrical stimulation and
  • rehabilitation

the body heals and relief is found. Pain can be optional, but only if we treat it as such.

Kids and Car Accidents

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At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we emphasize education. Every day we make it a priority to arm our patients with relevant information to help them live a safer and more healthy life. A recent article in Dynamic Chiropractic (August 2016) caught our attention and we felt it was important to share. The article, titled “A Spinal Cord Injury That Can Be Hard to Spot,” covered pediatric injuries to the spine as a result of car accidents. However, the injuries sustained by a child may not require X-rays if examined at the emergency room. If there is not an X-ray taken, how and when will an injury reveal itself? What can be done to ensure your child is okay after a car accident, even a minor one?

No one would argue that a major car accident would be indicative of X-rays on all parties involved, especially if there is trauma. But there are countless other car accidents that would not be classified as major. In fact, these car accidents can be so minor that there is little if any damage done to either vehicle. Regardless of the scale of the accident, the people inside the cars absorb the impact. Where else could this energy go?

A study was conducted in 1992 called the National Emergency X-Radiation Utilization Study, or NEXUS. This study established protocols to direct emergency rooms how to treat patients following a car accident. If certain symptoms were not present then the patient may not be considered for X-rays before being discharged. The symptoms the ER physicians are looking for include:

  • tenderness in the neck or cervical spine
  • intoxication
  • lack of alertness, confusion
  • problems with vision, hearing, or speaking
  • pain or obvious injury (i.e. broken bone)

But what if the child that is involved in the car accident is young, say under the age of 8? Would it be safe to assume that the younger the child is the more difficult it would be to get reliable information? If it is a minor accident and a very young child, perhaps a visit to the emergency room is declined. The lack of severity of the accident does not necessarily mean there has been no injury.

Symptoms may not present themselves until four days after the accident. In the case of the child, they may have a difficult time explaining how they feel. Fortunately, a visit to a chiropractor can ease not only a parents worry but ensure the child has been properly treated after the accident. Many chiropractors can see a new patient the same day and provide treatment as well. Just because an injury is not visible to the naked eye does not mean it does not exist.

The Athlete in All of Us

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Many of us watch television shows that reveal the lives of celebrities and their exclusive lifestyles. It seems these individuals have access to things that a majority of us never will. From backstage passes, red carpet events, and the best doctors. The same can be said when it comes to their health and wellness. Great care is given to the food they eat, the dining establishments they patronize, and their appearance in the public eye. Yet, the reality is that we too can have access to many of the benefits enjoyed by those we consider to be the “rich and famous” of our society.

One group in particular is worth noting – the professional athlete. These celebrities also give great care to selecting trainers, nutritionists, and doctors. Interestingly, one such doctor that is heavily relied upon by professional athletes is the chiropractor. Why would it be then that a majority of the U.S. population does not take advantage of the same level of care? Especially when chiropractic care is affordable and easily accessible?

Think about it. We buy the shoes that celebrities wear, purchase products that are endorsed by an athlete. The question we need to ask ourselves is, does the same philosophy also apply to the level of care an athlete receives? Are we not just as worthy? Do we think that because we are not a “professional” athlete that it isn’t necessary? If that is the case, why even buy the expensive sneakers?

The benefits of seeing a chiropractor should not be limited to a select group of the population. Whether they are pro-athletes, or suffered an injury from a car accident. Seeking the care of a chiropractor should be more proactive and inclusive. If a professional athlete sees a chiropractor so they can perform at their desired level of play, imagine what this profession can do for the rest of us?

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