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Challenge the Status Quo

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

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

  • political parties
  • religions
  • schools
  • countries
  • medicine

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

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

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

Optional Chronic Pain

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

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

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

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

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

Vertigo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tinnitus (Ringing In the Ears)

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

There are four types of tinnitus:

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

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

In addition to the ringing, sufferers also experience:

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

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

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

Chronic Conditions and Chiropractic Care

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There are many conditions that the general public does not associate with chiropractic care. While the reasons are varied, it essentially boils down to a lack of easily found information. For example, grab a magazine or newspaper and you will likely find it filled with ads from larger companies. If you turn on the radio or television, whose commercials do you hear? Again, sizable companies that can afford to purchase the airtime plus the production of a commercial. Even online, those who spend the most, get the most views.

Big business has deeper pockets to literally infiltrate every media outlet. In fact, studies show that the average adult is exposed to over 5,ooo messages – per day! Business is in business to make money. As a result, an advertisement or commercial needs to be convincing and compelling so you buy. But, does that mean the ad is the best option available to you?

History tells us that many products and services have come and gone as more information became available to the general public. Take cigarettes, saccharine, flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), and parabens (found in make-up). The public took these products at face value and believed what the advertisements stated. In addition, we even trusted that our government was protecting our best interests. The lesson learned here? That we need to actively advocate for ourselves and not let those who have the deepest pockets win our vote. As a result, we owe it to ourselves and our children to do our homework.

When it comes to our health, advocating for ourselves will reveal that what we thought we knew is actually wrong. Wrong, because we let mainstream media and big pharma tells us what was right. Chiropractic care has faced an uphill battle in proving its tremendous value in better health. Yet countless studies, testimonials, research and historical data prove that it has countless benefits. A chiropractor does far more that successfully treat those suffering from back and neck pain.

Due to this misinformation, below are several chronic conditions that many people do not realize can be treated with chiropractic care :

  • tinnitus (ringing of the ear)
  • vertigo
  • fibromyalgia
  • Meniere’s disease
  • chronic fatigue
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • multiple sclerosis
  • lupus

The next several articles will address these chronic conditions in further detail, in addition to how a chiropractor can help those who suffer from them.

A Healthy Lifestyle Is the Ultimate Vacation

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There is a process we use when making a big decision from what our next car purchase will be, to where we will go on our next vacation. We talk to friends who have recently purchased a car or love to travel, search online for reviews and information, even talk to those in the business of selling cars or traveling. The purpose it to collect as much information as possible to make the best decision possible, especially if what we are looking to do is completely foreign to us. The knowledge we gain from our research may empower us to make the best purchase decision, but it stops there. Let me explain.

When buying a new car or vacationing at that new destination, we are only enjoying the car while we are in it. We are only enjoying the vacation while we are actually on it. Yes, we can look at pictures of our travels and yes we can take our new wheels out for a spin every day, but that’s it. We spent all that time, effort, and eventually money on something that cannot enjoy every moment of every day. Once that vacation is over, it’s over. We also cannot live and sleep in our car. Why not the same time, effort, and money in something that we can enjoy 24/7? Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?

Enjoying the fullness of good health and true wellness is something that you can enjoy each and every day. And obtaining that lifestyle is something that can be achieved if we do the right research and information gathering. Take a look around you and list those people you know who already have that lifestyle. What are they doing that you aren’t? Commit to asking them. Spend the time to research a healthy aging lifestyle. At the crux is probably some type of holistic health care such as chiropractic. A unique field of care that focuses on the entire body versus a single system. People who enjoy optimal health are more interested in making every day a vacation. This is quite different than enjoying only 2 weeks of vacation out of the year.

Treat your health as you would preparing for a vacation. Take the time to thoroughly research what it will take beyond exercise and healthy eating to really live well. Create a life where you don’t need to take a vacation from to enjoy it. Feel like you do on vacation, every day of the year.

Limitating Beliefs, Fears & Misconceptions

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If you have never seen a chiropractor, you are not alone. A majority of the U.S. population is just like you! Yet there is a significant segment of the population who seek out chiropractic care on a regular basis. So why the gap? While the reasons might be varied, it basically boils down to 3 things:

  • Beliefs
  • Fears
  • Misconceptions

Our beliefs are instilled in us by our family.  Whether it’s our religion, political affiliation, education, or view of the world in general. It is what we were taught to believe. Growing up means we enter a phase where we begin to question things. As adults, we may choose to do things differently than our parents. Perhaps we went private schools and now reside in a great public school district so we send our kids there. Or we were raised in a Republican home but are now married to someone raised in a Democratic household. Belief systems change based on circumstances, life experiences, and knowledge learned.

Fears can drive our actions that limit our options and access to the truth. The unknown leads to fear, too, because we are afraid of what the future holds. Contentment is familiar.

Lastly, misconceptions also hold us back from the truth. We may believe the media, stereotypes, and skewed data. For example, have you ever made a snap judgement about someone and realized later that you were completely wrong? You misconceptions about that person limited your ability to see them as they really are.

Chiropractors fall under this same umbrella. Many of us jump to conclusions based on our beliefs, fears and misconceptions. How do we unchain ourselves from this limiting behavior?

Advocate for ourselves.

By advocating for ourselves we choose to learn as much as we can from reliable and trustworthy sources, rather than depending on being “spoon-fed” from the media or big business to be told what to do. We can research online for common themes, check out Google reviews, use social media to discover what others are saying and why. What you are looking for are unpaid and unsolicited information that is backed by science. With chiropractic care there is no “medicine” used to cover the symptoms, instead it is recognizing there is a cause. This is the cause that creates the symptoms a person suffers from.

Just think about where we would be if Christopher Columbus let the beliefs, fears and misconceptions of his time prevent him from setting out for the New World?

Advocate for yourself.

Athletes, Performance and Chiropractic Care

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Kids start playing soccer at the age of 4, if not earlier. It’s almost comical to watch a game at this age because most of are running simply because everyone else is. There are always those players who “get it”though. They are the ones who score all the goals and running ahead of the pack.

Youth sports plays an integral part in the social life of many families starting at an early age. As these young athletes grow, many parents continue their training by signing up for select and travel teams. Level of play intensifies at each age and it is not uncommon for kids to play the same sport year round. Competition becomes fierce as kids approach high school and college.

With this intensity, the need to be injury-free and performing at the highest level become paramount. Inevitably, however, an injury occurs, either from trauma or repetitive use. When this happens, the athletes primary concern is returning to the game as soon as possible. Other concerns involve elimination of pain and treatment that is non-invasive plus non-pharmacological. Chiropractic care is essential to sustaining this high level performance in a way that meets the needs of today’s competitive athlete.

Parents will invest tremendous sums of money in their child’s lessons, training, camps, equipment, and conditioning. Many times at the expense of anything else, especially if more is at stake such as a scholarship, either in the future or now. There can be a lot at stake in keeping their athlete healthy and well.

If we look at the highest level of sports, you will find a chiropractor on staff. You will also find chiropractors at the Olympic games, too. These professional athletes recognize that chiropractic adjustments have shown to improve performance and pain reduction. They also recognize a chiropractor’s ability to improve nervous system function to enhance faster reaction times. What athlete doesn’t want that?

At the end of the day, every patient deserves to be treated like an elite athlete in the care they receive.

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.

 

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