Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

Give us a call


Schedule online

Most Insurance Accepted

Diagnostic Testing

By

Sometimes it is necessary to shed additional light on our health in order to find the solution to the problem we are experiencing.  By digging a bit deeper, we can reveal the true culprit of our symptoms so the issue can be resolved once and for all.  This approach also eliminates the band-aid solution because sufficient time was not given to properly assess the situation.  One of the tools utilized to shed this light is diagnostic testing.  This advanced form of testing looks at a variety of functions within the human body to identify abnormalities in one or more its intricate systems. Diagnostic testing requires only one of three things – saliva, urine, or blood – which can uncover a wealth of information to help bring good health back.

At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, we offer 6 different types of diagnostic testing to help us provide the answers you are looking for:

  • Gastro-Intestinal (GI)/Digestive
  • Nutritional
  • Hormonal – Male and Female
  • Adrenal/Stress/Thyroid
  • Allergy
  • Inflammatory

Depending on the reason for the visit, performing a diagnostic test may be exactly what Dr. Damron prescribes.  The initial consultation may be enough to warrant this next step, but over the course of your visits, symptoms may appear that were masked by something else.  Either way, this valuable tool can provide invaluable insight into how the body is functioning, what is contributing to the imbalance, and most importantly, what can be done to correct it.  The bottom-line goal is to get back to wellness by giving the body exactly what it needs to thrive.

In addition to the samples of saliva, urine, or blood a simple questionnaire is also included.  Questions that help create an overview of daily functions, activities, and experiences.  Many times the answer is right in front of us, but we fail to see it simply because of how obvious it really is.  Diagnostic testing can also validate our intuition.  It can confirm what we have suspected all along.  It is amazing how a person’s life can be transformed with the truth.  For it is only by knowing the truth that progress can be made.

The next 6 blog posts will look at each type of diagnostic testing to give you a better understanding of their benefits.

VIP Supplements: Multivitamins

By

This is the last in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – or VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

The word multivitamin certainly sounds credible.  We’ve probably heard the word since our youth with those Flintstone vitamins our mom would give us that tasted remarkably like candy.  It probably was no coincidence either that the commercials for those cute, little vitamins would happen during the actual cartoon.  Clever marketing at its best!  Nowadays, vitamins, or more specifically multivitamins, are found in every grocery store, pharmacy, fitness center, gym, and wellness boutique.  There are literally hundreds of different multivitamins available today, too.  So, how do we discern which is best, if we really need one, and what the real benefits are?

In order to survive and function optimally, our body needs a daily supply of essential vitamins and minerals.  If eating a healthy diet, then a multivitamin would not be needed.  However, the reality is how we actually live each day.  It is a fact that most Americans are not eating a healthy diet, which leaves our bodies lacking the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.  Multivitamins can help close this gap between what is and what it should be.  Now that we have acknowledged this gap, which of the hundreds of multivitamins is truly best for us?

Let’s start with the facts about how our bodies are designed.  Our body is uniquely created to eat and digest the food our good Earth provides us.  We have complicated things by taking that food and repackaging it with over-processing.  If we were to take full advantage of how our body is designed, then we should acknowledge that food in its purest form is best.  Therefore, a multivitamin that is created from whole foods (foods that are natural and in their purest form) rather than processed is the ideal. This would mean organic, too – no added chemicals or pesticides.

Another way to determine which multivitamin is best for you is to look for those that are certified.  In 2007, the good manufacturing practices (GMPs) were established by the FDA to ensure high quality supplements are produced and available to the public.  Other independent organizations took that a step further and offer voluntary certification programs for supplement manufacturers as well.  When researching the multivitamin alternatives, search for those that have subjected themselves to the highest of quality standards.  Examples of what to look for include:  the Natural Products Association, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, and NSF, in addition to the GMPs by the USFDA.

Remember, it is up to us to ensure or body receives what it needs to function at its best.  It is also up to us to keep it that way so we can age healthily.  We make choices every day that ultimately impact how well we stay on that path of wellness.

VIP Supplements: Probiotics

By

This is the fourth in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – or VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

It seems to be everywhere.  Probiotics.  Everything from t.v. advertisements, coupons, and product labeling.  But why exactly is this the case?  Is this just another health fad like toning shoes or olestra? You’ll be happy to know  that probiotics are not a fad and are here to stay.  In fact, this VIP supplement is a great way to invest in your longterm health.

Probiotics are actually living microorganisms – bacteria and yeast.  Hearing the word bacteria, though, we typically jump to the negative, thinking disease and infection.  However, in the world of bacteria there exists both the good and the bad.  The good bacteria is what you find within your digestive system.  It is also in probiotics.  The ideal occurs when the good and bad bacteria are in balance, meaning everything is functioning as it should.  But there are times when we have an imbalance. Symptoms appear telling us so with the onset of an illness, a syndrome like Irritable Bowel, or a skin conditions such as eczema.  This is a red flag that our good bacteria needs some help from us to regain that optimal balance.

But what exactly does good bacteria do for us?  Surprisingly, these good guys serve a vital role in our overall wellbeing:

  • promotes colon health and proper functioning
  • helps to keep cholesterol in check
  • works to ensure hormone balance
  • specific vitamin formation (i.e. K)
  • creates certain digestive enzymes

It’s important to know that there are two main types of probiotics:  lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. The first is the most common and found in yogurt or other fermented foods, the second is found in some types of dairy.  Both play a key role in digestive health.  While we can get much of our probiotic needs met from the foods we eat (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, dark chocolate, kimchi, tempeh, and miso soup), the reality is that our busy lifestyle may prevent us from doing so.  Having a quality probiotic supplement will ensure your digestive needs are being met on a daily basis.

Remember, life happens.  We eat too much of the wrong foods, we get sick, we get older, we encounter periods of stress.  As one of the VIPs of the supplement world, probiotics can help you be prepared for those bumps in the road and be that preventative maintenance you need to keep your body running as it should.

VIP Supplements: Digestive Enzymes

By

This is the third in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

Have you ever thought about how the food you eat is broken down and used by your body?  How even after the most filling meal, your stomach will be growling in just a few hours with hunger?  Things move in and out of our body on a regular basis.  But what keeps it moving?  Digestive enzymes.

Enzymes run the show in our body.  They are the linchpin that sustains our life.  From our muscles and bones, to the organs and systems throughout our body and all the way down to our cells – enzymes regulate it all.  They are the catalyst in every chemical reaction that occurs within us.  In fact, enzymes actually speed up the chemical reactions which saves us energy and keep things moving at the appropriate speed.  If we didn’t have enzymes there would still be chemical reactions, however, the speed at which they would occur would be too slow to keep us going.  The food we eat is broken down by these digestive enzymes, primarily from our pancreas and small intestine, to get at the nutrients that comprise it.

Digestive enzymes can be broken down into three categories:

  • Lipases – break down fat
  • Amylases – break down carbohydrates
  • Proteases – break down proteins

Ideally, the food that we eat each day is comprised of these three nutrients, yet the reality is something entirely different.  Our Western diet is comprised of foods that inhibit the body’s ability to get what it needs to work as it should and thrive.  We are surrounded by foods that are highly processed, cooked improperly, and difficult to digest.  This sad state of affairs puts our digestive system in disarray.  Instead “the more refined and processed a food is, the lower your gut’s capacity to retrieve what’s there and distribute to your body” (S. Lamm, MD., NYU Medical Center, Jan. 2013).   Only 40-50% of the nutrients are able to be extracted because your body is working in overdrive to get what it needs from the “junk” it was given for fuel.  Imagine the consequences of eating a poor diet 100% of the time.  If we choose to overlook the impact our bad diet has on our bodies, then we run the risk of harming ourselves not only nutritionally but with our immune system as well.

Surprisingly, 70% of our immune system resides in our gut.  This means that our digestive system plays a major role in helping to prevent things like bacteria, viruses, and pathogens from entering our bloodstream and making us ill.  Denying our body of optimal nutrition adds undo stress, but other factors can impact our digestive enzymes such as age, genetics, the environment, and poor lifestyles habits.

Here are some signs that your body may be experiencing a digestive enzyme deficiency:

  • gas
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • heartburn
  • skin conditions – acne, eczema, rashes
  • moodiness, headaches
  • joint & myofascial pain

Adding a digestive enzyme supplement helps to offset the impact of these symptoms, plus give your body the boost it needs to function as it should.  It’s as simple as knowing what to look for.  Keep these four things in mind as you research your options:

  • Make sure you select a supplement company that is reputable (we prefer Standard Process).
  • Select one that is “blended” – in other words, helps with fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
  • Avoid digestive enzymes that contain fillers.
  • Look for supplements that are in capsule form.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in our lives.

VIP Supplements: Fish Oil

By

This is the second in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

The idea of fish may be very unappetizing to some people, especially if you have a food aversion to seafood.  The term fish oil actually doesn’t connote good images either if we are completely honest with ourselves.  Sometimes, though, we find it’s those things that look and sound the most unappealing that are the most beneficial and tastiest of all.  Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?  Fish oil is one of those wonderful surprises that goes to prove we shouldn’t “judge a book by it’s cover.”

So what is fish oil exactly?  All fish contain oils, but fish that are considered fatty such as mackerel, trout, tuna, herring, sardines, and salmon, have the highest concentration of oil which is can be up to 30%.  This is much different that white fish, which contains significantly less oil which is found only in the liver versus the entire fish fillet.

There are two ingredients in fish oil that make it such a powerful supplement, or Vital & Integral Player (VIP), when it comes to maintaining optimal health:  docosahexaeonic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  Both are Omega-3 fatty acids, however, EPA is not produced by the fish itself but from the algae it consumes.  DHA on the other hand is produced by the fish.  DHA is found throughout the body, yet it’s highest concentration is in the brain and retina (97% and 93% respectively), plus it’s a key component of the heart.  EPA is a necessary building block of DHA and our diet can provide it as well.  EPA on the other hand is obtained solely from our diet.  Unfortunately, American diets are substantially lacking in Omega-3s – too much meat, too few fish, and an overabundance of preservative-laden food contributes to this deficiency.  The great news is that this trend can be reversed, and that is why fish oil makes the top five list of our VIP supplements.

Fish oil has been shown to:

  • help improve behavioral problems in children such as ADHD.
  • benefit memory recall.
  • reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  • protect against vision loss as we age.
  • positively impact sensory, cognitive, and motor development of the fetus.
  • improve blood flow.
  • reduce joint inflammation.
  • aid in bone health.
  • help decrease symptoms of postpartum depression.
  • lower bad cholesterol and increases the good.
  • improve the effectiveness of exercise to lose weight.
  • boost the immune system.
  • promote mood stabilization.
  • improve dry skin, acne, and hair.

Common sources of foods with beneficial levels of fish oil or Omega-3s are:

  • flax
  • hemp seed
  • walnuts
  • eggs
  • basil
  • spinach
  • chia seeds
  • oily fish – salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, trout, and mackerel
  • edamame
  • grass-fed beef

The ideal ratio of bad fat to good is 2:1, but the reality for the American diet today is 20:1.  Obtaining the benefits from Omega-3s means bringing balance back to our diets.  Increasing your intake of foods that have high levels of Omega-3 and reducing your consumption of fried, fast, and boxed foods will help to restore that balance.   And, most importantly, don’t forget that you can also add a high quality fish oil supplement to your diet as well.  There’s no need to leave any gaps on your journey to wellness.

VIP Supplements: Fiber

By

This is the first in a series of 5 on what we, at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness, consider to be the “Vital & Integral Players” – VIPs – of the supplements necessary for healthy aging.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of supplements out there today.  So many, in fact, that it’s near impossible to to discern what supplements to take, leaving many of us scratching our heads and walking away empty handed.  Well, believe it or not, there are some supplements that are more important to our overall health than others simply due to the incredible benefits they provide.  One might call them the VIPs of supplements.

The top five nutritional supplements, ranked in no particular order, that provide you with an optimal foundation to begin your wellness journey are:

  • Fiber
  • Fish Oil
  • Digestive Enzymes
  • Probiotics
  • Multi-Vitamin

While this list in no ways ranks in terms of significance to one another, it is meant to provide you with the basics to ensure your journey begins on the right foot.  It is the starting point.  Many times we never take that first step due to the uncertainty surrounding what direction that first step should be in.  A common phrase describing this indecision is “analysis paralysis” – a decision is never made because we consume ourselves with analyzing our options to the point of complete confusion.

So let’s begin by dedicating this post with the first nutritional supplement on the list, fiber.  When it comes to fiber we know that it is an essential part of our diet, but what does it do?  Most of us might immediately think of Metamucil when we hear the word fiber or that fiber helps to keep things moving in the right direction, if you know what I mean.  But fiber is so much more than that.

Fiber is actually a carbohydrate that is found in the plants we eat each day such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.  However, due to its chemical makeup, it cannot be digested by the body.  Passing through our system undigested is what makes fiber so important to our overall health and puts it on the top five list above.  Fiber’s benefits to our bodies include:

  • Helping to lower our blood cholesterol.
  • Preventing diabetes because it slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
  • Lowering the risk of heart disease.
  • Reducing overeating by helping to make us feel full.
  • Promoting a healthy bowel function.
  • Adding zero calories to a meal to help to control weight.

Fiber gives our body that initial tune up.  Cleaning out the old to get ready for the new.  The new you! Unfortunately, most Americans are not getting enough fiber in their diet each day.  The average adult eats an average of 10-15 grams per day when the recommendation ranges between 25 for women and 38 for men according to the Institute of Medicine.

To help you reach your dietary goal of fiber intake, fiber supplements can help.  Sometimes our busy lifestyles get in the way of maintaining optimal health.  That should never stop us from giving our bodies what it needs to thrive.  Continue to build on eating whole foods full of fiber like brown rice, raw vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

Utilize fiber supplements to fill in the gaps, because gaps can make for a very bumpy road.

Whole Food Potential

By

A key is designed to fit into a certain lock, and when that perfect combination occurs doors open and opportunities are realized.  This analogy can also be applied to food, too.  How pairing particular foods together can unlock countless health benefits to our bodies.  Mother Nature is truly clever.  She has provided a tremendous assortment of whole foods that have the ability to become a powerhouse when eaten in unique combinations – for one is the key and the other the lock.

Take for example, raisins and dark chocolate.  There is a vital trace mineral in raisins called boron that allows the body to absorb more magnesium from the dark chocolate if they are eaten together. Magnesium provides many essential benefits to our body such as:

  • helping to prevent osteoporosis with the formation of healthy bones
  • lowering the risk of heart disease
  • regulating high blood pressure
  • preventing type 2 diabetes
  • treating migraines, insomnia, and depression

Eating foods rich in magnesium with foods that are rich in boron significantly increase the benefits to us.  Another example of food synergy is found with green tea and lemon.  The ascorbic acid found in lemons helps the body better absorb the antioxidant catechin which is found in the green tea.  The medical community has long touted the benefits of antioxidants in protecting the body from its daily onslaught of free radicals.  Free radicals are a danger to our well being.  They are either created internally from normal metabolic processes or as the result of exposure to external sources such as X-rays, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and industrial chemicals.  Antioxidants help the body protect itself. Unlocking more antioxidant absorption by combining two key foods together is a huge benefit to maintaing good health.  Here are a few other great food pairings from the most recent issue of Experience Life (2015) magazine:

  • Tomato Sauce & Olive Oil – the phytochemical lycopene needs the fat in the olive oil in order to be absorbed by the body.
  • Avocado & Mixed Greens – the good fat in the avocados helps the body to absorb the phytochemicals from the greens.
  • Broccoli & Steak – the iron in the meat needs the vitamin C from the broccoli to aid with absorption.
  • Spinach & Tofu – the vitamin K in the spinach helps the body absorb the calcium in the tofu.

Take time to learn more about the benefits of not only whole foods, but which whole foods are best together and why.  Not only will you do your body good, but you will undoubtedly find new foods and recipes to love as well.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

By

Enter an Indian restaurant and the wonderful aromas will hit you instantly.  There is no mistaking where you are at.  One of the spices responsible for this sensory gift is turmeric, that yellow-orange powder with a peppery kick that adds a golden tint to food.  Although this spice has been used for 4,000 years, it has only been during the last few decades that its tremendous health benefits have started to be realized.

Originating in Southeast Asia and India, turmeric has been traditionally used in therapeutic remedies within Ayurvedic practices.  The key ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for its longstanding reputation of health benefits.  This substance has been studied quite extensively through clinical trials on the effect it has on chronic diseases associated with inflammation. Now gaining in popularity with modern day medicine as a result of this clinical support, curcumin has been shown to be beneficial in helping with:

  • joint pain
  • inflammation
  • oncology

For those suffering from inflammation, there is strong evidence that turmeric has the ability to prevent the expression of both the enzymes and molecules that contribute to this condition.  Many experts are suggesting that it can also be a viable option to other anti-inflammatory agents like steroids and NSAIDs (i.e. Ibuprofen, aspirin) because turmeric is considered safe and non-toxic, without side-effects.

There is also considerable evidence supporting the positive effects of curcumin on pain relief.  Two studies, one in 2009 and the other in 2012, demonstrated a reduction in joint pain and decreased joint tenderness.

Most recently, curcumin’s ability to help cancer patients undergoing treatment have been documented.  Research is shedding light on its use as a cancer fighting agent as it works to suppress tumor cell growth.  Additionally, there is compelling evidence that it may also help during radiation therapy as well.  While more extensive studies are still needed, this is exciting news for the oncology field.

While the amount of curcumin in turmeric is relatively small, 3% of the total weight, enhancing this compound’s natural ability through supplements is key.  Adding a curcumin extract to your diet will ensure your body receives its full benefit.  However, due to design, it is necessary to combine it with black pepper because curcumin is not easily digested by the body.  Black pepper actually increases the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.

The key message here is that our diet and what we expose ourselves to can have a tremendous effect on our overall health.  We must keep an open mind to the benefits that nature provides us.

A Healthy Dose of Vitamin D

By

Summer is right around the corner and that means lots of fun outdoor activities – swimming, fishing, biking, walking, amusement parks, picnics, and beach vacations.  After hearing the countless warnings regarding sun exposure, we know the significance of sunscreen and the proper coverage of our skin. However, there is a new trend building momentum that has caused the experts to rethink how much we are avoiding the sun.

Recent evidence is connecting excessive avoidance of the sun to a lack of Vitamin D.  This essential vitamin is “used by the body to manage the amount of calcium in your blood, bones and gut, and help the cells all over your body communicate properly.” (Vitamin D Council, 2011)  According to a 2007 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, almost 70% of Caucasians, 90% of Mexican Americans, and 97% of African Americans in the U.S. have insufficient levels of Vitamin D in their blood.  Ironically, the most cost-effective and easiest way to reverse this situation is with sun exposure.  However, with the inherent risks associated with excessive sun exposure finding a balance is critical, but it can be done with discipline and awareness.

There are three key benefits to adequate sun exposure:

  1. The sun allows the body to produce Vitamin D.
  2. The sun gives us our healthy sleep patterns by regulating circadian rhythms.
  3. The sun promotes a happier disposition.

Still, we need to understand what it requires to ensure we don’t overdo it and increase our risk of sun damage.  The first is acknowledging your skin type.  If you are fair skinned, then less is more.  Fair skin needs much less sun exposure because of it’s minimal defense against burning.  Yet, because it’s fair, it also synthesizes the sun much quicker.  For the fairest of us, five minutes of unprotected mid-day sun is ideal.  Those with darker skin, twenty minutes is adequate to achieve the ideal dose.  When in the sun, be careful not to overexpose areas of your body like your face and neck that are typically already facing the elements every day.  Instead, protect those areas and focus on your legs or arms.

Many factors can affect our Vitamin D levels like the time of year, where we live, what our schedule dictates, and how our body synthesizes it.  Fortunately, we can boost our levels of this essential nutrient with the help of supplements.  Many experts recommend 1,000 IUs or higher, although the daily allowance for adults is 600.  Talking with your healthcare provider will help you determine what your next step is in obtaining optimal levels of this key vitamin.

Hello sunshine!

Toxins and You

By

Whether we want to believe it or not, we are surrounded by toxins on a daily basis, both externally and internally.  In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put the number around 80,000.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, toxin is defined as “an antigenic poison or venom of plant or animal origin, especially one produced by or derived from microorganisms and causing disease when present at low concentration in the body.”  Some obvious examples of toxins are pollution, second hand cigarette smoke, and pesticides.  These three visible toxins are external to the body and known to cause cancer and neurological problems.  However, there are many toxins that are not quite as visible, and even more of a concern, because we don’t necessarily know when our body is exposed to it.

The reality is that toxins can be found in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the air we breathe, our cleaning products, our make up, lotions, and even water.  Toxins can also have a negative impact on our body and manifest itself through various conditions:

  • Joint Discomfort
  • Reduced Mental Clarity
  • Fatigue or Difficulty Sleeping
  • Low Libido
  • Indigestion
  • Weight Gain & Food Cravings
  • Stuffy Head
  • Poor Skin Condition

Especially troubling is the impact these toxins can have on children as their size is substantially smaller and they are still developing.  So what can we do to help protect ourselves and our families from the harmful effects of toxins?  Here’s a simple list of suggestions to rid your body of as many toxins as you can:

  1. Eat organic.  Be aware of the Dirty Dozen which contains the most pesticide residue because that alone can eliminate your toxin exposure by 80%:  apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, celery, nectarines, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported snap peas, potatoes.
  2. Read the labels of everything you are consuming and applying to your skin.  The skin is highly absorbent, so avoid the chemicals phthalate, paraben, and retinyl palmitate.
  3. Regular exercise naturally flushes toxins from your body – and sweat!
  4. Avoid saturated fats.  These are found in fatty beef, fried foods, commercial baked goods, and processed lunch meats.
  5. Use higher quality cleaning products and less of them.
  6. Be aware of indoor air quality.  Furniture, flooring, and paint can emit low levels of toxic gasses.  Opening your windows can help clear the air.
  7. Avoid plastic containers when storing food and choose cast iron or stainless steel pans vs nonstick.
  8. Drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins from  your body.

What can you do today to begin eliminating toxins from you and those you love?

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