Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

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Degenerative Disc Disease

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According to the Arthritis Foundation, most adults over the age of 60 have degenerative disc disease. This condition occurs when the discs between each vertebrae in the spine lose their ability to effectively absorb shock. As we age, our spinal discs, which have a high water content, begin to dehydrate lessening their ability to function. While age is the most common factor causing degenerative disk disease, other factors can contribute too. Factors such as daily activities, sports, and injuries.

While the effects of this degeneration are different for everyone, some people do experience back and/or neck pain. However, there can be other symptoms typically in conjunction with the pain:

  • back pain that extends to the legs
  • neck pain that extends to the arms and hands
  • tingling and numbness in these extremities 
  • headaches
  • reduced range of motion

Unfortunately, there is very little blood supply to the spinal discs. So if a disc is weakened or damaged, it cannot heal itself as other body parts can. When the disc continues to deteriorate, that is when a person can begin to experience the symptoms above.

A chiropractor that offers onsite X-rays can determine the level of compression between vertebrae. Treatment can include sessions of time on a decompression table. This device very slowly extends the neck and/or back, relieving the pressure between vertebrae. Relieving the pressure reduces pain, but most importantly can help reduce inflammation around the nerves. Over time, this treatment, in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, can stop the progression of degenerative disc disease, eliminate pain, and improve flexibility. The goal is to attempt to avoid surgery, however, in some cases, surgery is recommended after all other options have been exhausted. A chiropractor would then refer the person to a specialist for an MRI.

Getting older does not mean settling for aches and pains. You do have the option to grow older pain-free, but the choice is yours.

Reversing Sedentary Lifestyle Health Risks

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Physical inactivity is on the rise, both at home and work. If we compare ourselves to older generations, access to technology and convenience has encouraged this lack of movement. Not to mention commuting to work and school in increasingly congested areas. Then sitting for hours at a desk each day only to head back home to sit for dinner and finally go to bed. Modern society almost requires a sedentary lifestyle. And we have accepted this wholeheartedly. However, research is revealing a direct correlation between this inactive lifestyle with certain health risks.

It requires effort to exercise regularly. We also need to dedicate time to do it. And while it does not provide immediate results, like what we are conditioned to expect with our digital world, we need patience, too. All things our modern day society does not promote. Yet, this same research is also looking at what it will take to change this unhealthy trend. For example, to reverse the health risks of sitting for eight hours a day, 60 minutes of exercise may be required. Think about that for a moment.

Perhaps you are wondering what could be so bad about sitting for extended periods of time. Well, let’s take a look:

  • Heart Disease
  • Muscle Degeneration
  • Leg Disorders
  • Back Pain
  • Foggy Brain
  • Neck and Shoulder Strain

So, now you are probably thinking to yourself, “This can’t be true, I’m just sitting.” Truth is that our bodies are designed for movement. And extended periods of inactivity don’t allow it to function as it should. When muscles are slow to burn fat and blood flow decreases, fatty acids have more opportunity to clog arteries. Extended periods of sitting have been linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease.

Muscles that have been restricted in use begin to degenerate. Also, slumping while sitting puts strain on muscles to compensate where they shouldn’t. Leaving a person with a poor posture and pain, not to mention poor circulation especially in the legs. In terms of brain function, decreased blood flow also affects the oxygen getting to the brain, hence we experience brain fog. It is more difficult to concentrate on the task at hand, plus we feel sluggish.

We do not need to let this be our outcome if we take steps today to change our sedentary lifestyle. To counter the affects of a sedentary lifestyle requires awareness of our daily schedule. In other words, how much time we are spending sitting each day. Choosing to break the monotony with walks, exercise, taking the stairs, stretching, and seeing a chiropractor for periodic adjustments all help.

While we may not be able to change our commute, our job, or even the conveniences of modern society, we can change what we do in our free time.

Feet and Back Pain

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an internationally known tourist attraction that draws millions of visitors each year. Located in Pisa, Italy, this bell tower built during medieval times began tilting to one side once construction got to the 2nd floor. Upon completion, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was leaning 15 feet because its foundation was too soft. As a result, during the almost 200 years it took to built (war caused 100 year gap in construction), the builders tried desperately to offset the leaning, even until present day.

The foundation of anything has a profound effect on the rest of the structure. While many things can be done to remedy the leaning, if the foundation is not addressed, ultimately the problem will still exist. There are many parallels between this tower and the human body.

Feet are the foundation to the human body. At birth, most people have perfect feet. By the age of 20, 80% of those have developed a problem. By the time a person is 40, most have some sort of foot condition. If our feet are our foundation, most of us are just like the Tower of Pisa. However, unlike the tower, we don’t tilt or lean. Instead, our hips, back, shoulders, and neck compensate for our problem foundation. Think of a zigzag line. The line begins at our feet. To offset the instability of the feet, the hips lean to one side. The back then offsets that by leaning to the other side. See the zigzag effect? This situation is what contributes to what is commonly called back pain.

Orthotic support plays a significant role in providing an effective treatment when this condition presents itself. A chiropractor can correct the misalignment of the spine, hips, and neck with adjustments, plus provide heel lifts, as well. With an improved foundation, the rest of the body must relearn its proper position. Effective chiropractic treatment will work to correct the problem and eliminate the back pain. Our feet give us our mobility. We needn’t sacrifice that as we age. Rather, we should do what we can to protect it.

Myth #7: Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

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It’s natural to associate seeing a chiropractor when experiencing back pain. This medical professional works with the spine, or back. Yet, what most people don’t realize is that back pain is only one of many ailments and conditions that a chiropractor can treat.

Think of a chiropractor as you would your primary care doctor or pediatrician. You don’t see either just for the flu or seasonal allergies. You visit these two doctors for various reasons. The same is true for a chiropractor. Granted the spine, or back, connects the body. So, it makes sense to only think of back pain when seeing a chiropractor. But, because the spine connects the body, a chiropractor treats the entire musculoskeletal system.

If we look at the Grey’s Anatomy “Chart of Body & Anatomy” we can see that the spine is comprised of vertebrae. Each vertebrae connects nerves to specific parts of the body. For example, vertebrae 1C in the cervical spine contains the nerves connected to the head, brain, middle and inner ear, and the sympathetic nervous system. Irritated nerves in 1C can create symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, migraines, and high blood pressure. Relieving that irritation with chiropractic adjustments alleviates the symptoms. This is one of the biggest differences between how a chiropractor treats an ailment and how a medical doctor treats one.

Traditional medical doctors typically treat the symptoms. In other words, if are suffering migraines, you may only receive a prescription for pain relief medicine. The symptom may be addressed, but not the cause of it. With chiropractic care, the cause is determined and addressed, not just the symptoms. And not with the use of prescription medications either. The goal is to eliminate the cause of them problem, not just mask the symptoms.

Chiropractors treat the entire body, not just back pain. Think of it this way, your spine is the central piece that connects your entire body. So, whether you have pain in your shoulder, hip, neck, or back, a chiropractor can provide you the care you need.

Top Chiropractic Myths Debunked

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Chiropractic myths permeate our society. In fact, this is the primary reason why a majority of adults have not seen a chiropractor. Unfortunately, the facts do not support these objections. Rather than search for the truth, many choose to follow a path created by big business because seeing is believing. That is not to say that what is advertised does not work. It’s quite the opposite actually. However, just because something works does that also mean it is the best option? Or the only option for that matter?

Advertising creates the visibility a business wants to generate revenue. Why do you think we eagerly await those Super Bowl ads every year? But, did you know that those commercials cost $5 million in 2017? What type of business can afford this huge investment? The question we need to ask ourselves is this, does a high level of visibility automatically give a business credibility?  The answer should be no. Otherwise, why support small, local businesses.

Chiropractic, as a business, does not have the budget to advertise at the level that Wendy’s, Coca Cola, KFC, and Mars did this year. But does this level of visibility mean these products are good for our health? One might argue that they have contributed to our society’s obesity epidemic.

We must not settle for what information is pushed at us either from television, print, radio, or online. That information was paid to be put in front of us. Rather than accept things at face value, we should choose to advocate for ourselves. Meaning, we should dig deeper and learn what can about ALL options that are available to us. Then make an informed decision about what is BEST for us. Chiropractic care falls in this category, which is why several myths exist that cause people to miss out on this highly effective and beneficial health care.

Below are the 8 top chiropractic myths that exist today:

  1. Seeing a chiropractor is expensive.
  2. Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous.
  3. Chiropractic care is only for adults.
  4. Chiropractors are not real doctors.
  5. Once you start seeing a chiropractor you can never stop.
  6. Chiropractic adjustments hurt.
  7. Chiropractors only treat back pain.
  8. Chiropractic care doesn’t work.

The next 8 blog posts will focus on one myth at a time, with the purpose of proving them to be incorrect.

 

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