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The Spine’s Major Role

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Did you know that the spine plays a major role in how our body operates?  One might think it’s the brain, but the truth is that the spine encompasses the main thoroughfare for the nervous system and each point along the column controls a specific aspect of our body’s function.

Our spine is comprised of 33 vertebrae – 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacrum, and 4 coccyx. Based on their location, each has a corresponding letter and number assigned to it.  For example, C1 is the first vertebrae in the cervical section of the spine (also called the Axis), and is located just below the head.   Each and every vertebrae has specific responsibilities in terms of organ function and structure of the human body.  So, if we look at the lumbar section, say L5, we know that vertebrae is connected to the lower legs, ankles, and feet.  Problems in this area manifest itself in the form of poor circulation in the legs, swollen ankles, cold feet, leg cramps, or weakness in the legs, ankles, or arches.  What if we pick a vertebrae in the thoracic section like T6?  T6 controls the stomach and if there is a problem with that particular vertebrae the following symptoms can manifest themselves – indigestion, heartburn, or dyspepsia.  Every part of our body is intricately connected, so much so that we can literarily trace the problem back to the source, like a map.  And that is incredibly good news for us!

Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) focus their care on the function of the spine.  It is through this specialization that the Doctor is able to treat and correct those symptoms that appear, from swollen ankles to heartburn.  Extensive knowledge of the neuromuscular system creates a holistic path to care, one that deviates from modern day medicine.  This deviation stems from the lack of reliance on pharmaceuticals to address symptoms, but rather addresses the underlying cause.  When there is a problem with the spine, or vertebrae. a symptom like heartburn surfaces.  The problem can be the result of a pinched nerve, herniated disc or bulging disc in the spinal column.  This interference prevents the nerve impulses, or messages, from getting to their desired destination causing the symptom to appear.  If the root cause is not properly addressed the symptom will appear again and again and again.

This revolving door of problems can be resolved if properly addressed.  Continue to seek solutions until you feel the results.  Treat your body like a puzzle.  You cannot force a piece into a place it does not belong, likewise you cannot see the entire picture of wellness until each piece is in it’s proper place.

Whiplash

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Not a day goes by that we don’t see someone involved in a car accident.  It could be something as minor as a parking lot mishap to a serious multi-car pile up on an expressway.  Motor vehicles, and the mechanisms inside it are designed to keep us safe from injury.  While we are fortunate to benefit from these lifesaving measures, there is still a price we pay for being involved in a car accident.

The impact of one vehicle hitting another is absorbed by not only the car itself, but by those who happen to be inside of it, regardless of the speed the car is traveling.  The person inside the vehicle is also thrust forward, backward, or side to side – especially their head which is not restrained by a seatbelt like the torso. This sudden, jarring motion, known as whiplash, causes havoc on the muscles and tendons in the neck as well as the rest of the body.

So how do you know you suffer from whiplash, especially after a minor car collision?  Here are some of the symptoms to look for…and remember, some may feel these issues immediately following an accident, while others may not feel the effects for days or weeks afterwards.

  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Arm pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Tenderness

Left untreated, the effects of whiplash can cause long-term pain.  A Doctor of Chiropractic is specialized in the care of the musculoskeletal and the nervous systems, which a car accident tends to disrupt.

Scheduling a visit with a chiropractor at the onset of any of the above symptoms will help to heal the damage done to the body, minimize pain and discomfort, and prevent additional trauma.  In addition to spinal adjustments, your doctor will prescribe an exercise or stretching program, rehabilitation, and massage.  Listening to your body, yet remaining active, is key to recovery.  Your body will tell you if you’ve pushed it too far after suffering from whiplash.  It’s important, though, that you don’t let the pain immobilize you.

Building your strength every day will bring you back to wellness.

 

The Second Visit to Damron Chiropractic

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

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

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

The First Visit to Damron Chiropractic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Impact of Technology On Our Youth

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

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

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

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

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