Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

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Range of Motion

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“The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be extended or flexed.”

Everyone has a different range of motion for any given joint.  Take for example an Olympic gymnast.  Watching this Champion compete leaves you in awe of her extreme flexibility.  Someone without that level of training can appear quite limited in comparison with their range of motion. In reality, it is completely within that person’s normal range.

As we age, life circumstances have a tendency to affect our bodies, in ways that can significantly limit our mobility and overall movement.  But what exactly are these life circumstances that can affect our range of motion as we age?

  • Our overall flexibility and motion can be affected by muscle or fat mass.  An overabundance of either can limit how far we can extend an arm or leg, or even how far we can bend over to touch our toes.
  • The pain caused by injury will impact range of motion.  When the body experiences pain the muscles surrounding the injury/pain will contract reflexively to prevent further injury.  Examples include sprains, bruises, and dislocation.
  • When our body is afflicted by disease, like arthritis or bursitis, the joints are affected causing pain and, once again, a limited range of motion.
  • If muscles are not moved or stretched regularly they can become stiff and lack extensibility, which is flexibility and elasticity.  That is why it is recommended that you stretch properly before engaging in sports or certain exercises like jogging.
  • Scar tissue from surgery or injury can limit the movement of joints due to the loss of elasticity in the affected tissue.

Fortunately the body is an amazing machine that, if given the proper care, can rehabilitate itself.  While many of us will never be that Olympic gymnast, or any gymnast for that matter, we can achieve the ideal range of motion for our age and body type.  We needn’t limit ourselves due to contentment, ignorance, fear, or pain.  Working with the right team of healthcare professionals – like a chiropractor, massage therapist, and rehabilitation specialist – will help you work you way back to optimal motion and flexibility, so you can stay there.

Never settle for anything less.

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.

Functional Medicine

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There is a big disconnect when it comes to healthcare and what is perceived to be available to people. But why this disconnect?  Why don’t more people actually know there can be a better solution to what ails them?  Quite simply, the reason for this disconnect is due to popularity.  What happens to receive the most visibility, press, and promotion wins every time.  Fortunately, with a little research one can find better and more reliable options when it comes to good health and wellness.

Kids today are raised in a much different society than older generations.  Social media dominates their source for information and means to connect with others.  Generations past chose the newspaper, handwritten letters, and the telephone.  They “Think Green” and recycle just about everything, quick to speak up if you accidentally throw something away that is recyclable.  Ten to twenty years ago, you were considered odd if you did recycle.  Today, organic is popular as is supporting local farmers and businesses.  A decade ago, we believed that what big business sold what was best for us.  Fortunately, we saw the “disconnect” and realized that there might just be a better way.

In terms of healthcare, functional medicine is gaining momentum and becoming more mainstream.  It is built on the premise that taking ownership of our health versus treating ailments symptomatically will improve it longterm.  According to the Institute of Function Medicine, functional medicine is defined as,

“A systems-oriented approach that engages both the patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership that addresses the underlying causes of diseases.”

This definition removes medication from the solution and instead utilizes alternative methods to cure ailments.  Granted, this is not to say that medicine does not have a place because it certainly does, especially in the treatment of infection, trauma, and acute diseases.  But what about the millions of people who suffer every day from chronic diseases for which medicine simply masks the symptoms?

Functional medicine offers a solution to chronic ailments like allergies, gastro-intestinal problems, inflammation, or structural imbalances.  Working in collaboration with a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, to help the body restore itself to the desired balance state is the goal.  It’s about taking time to uncover the root cause of a health problem, so that steps can be taken to remedy it and facilitate the healing process – naturally, if possible.  Our bodies are comprised of intricately woven systems – from digestive, neurological, muscular, and cardiovascular.  One system inevitably affects the other, especially if there is a deficiency.  Functional medicine allows our body to do what it was designed to do, heal itself – given the proper tools to do so.

Isn’t it time you allowed your body to function as it should?

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 Sound an Adjustment Makes

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I never like hearing people crack their knuckles, it sounds painful.  Ironically, there have been times that I have accidentally cracked my own knuckles.  It has always surprised me for two reasons – one, that I can actually crack my own knuckles; and two, that it doesn’t hurt.

When people hear the word “chiropractor” many think of cracking, specifically back cracking.  And while the chiropractor uses the spine, or back, as the focal point of treatment, it only scratches the surface of the care that is provided.  But why all the cracking?  What does it mean?  Why does it happen?

Chiropractors use the word “adjustment” to describe their approach to spinal manipulation, to correct joints that have a limited or abnormal range of motion that prevent a person’s body from acting as it should.  This abnormality, called a subluxation, directs the chiropractor where to perform the adjustment to correct the situation.  During the adjustment, it is very common to hear a “popping” or “cracking” sound – similar to when a person cracks their knuckles, except the sound is coming from joints from another part of the body.

The sound we hear is due to nitrogen gas that is released when the joint is released from a locked position (within its natural range).  The gas is created by the fluid that protects the joints called synovial fluid, which is produced by the joints themselves.  This gas is created because of excess pressure being placed on the joint. The byproduct of this production are gasses, specifically oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.  When the joint is “opened” during an adjustment, the gas is released and the popping or cracking is heard.  A sensation of “release” is felt in the area that was treated. Some may call it immediate relief depending on the nature of the problem.  Something as non-invasive as an adjustment literally causes the body to react in this positive way.  Without pain, without medication, without waiting weeks for an appointment.

Each visit to the chiropractor will involve an adjustment, helping the body to realign itself in the way it was originally designed to be aligned.  As the joints are aligned, the muscles surrounding those joints begin to strengthen.  They were weakened because other muscles were doing their job.  The adjustment gradually brings things back to normal, so that the body can function as it is designed to.

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 Stress “Norm”

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It’s difficult to slow down and “smell the roses” in a society that is conditioned to believe it’s normal to be busy, overscheduled, and that we can have it all – and at the same time.  While this may be true, it does come at a price.  Initially, we may not even realize that we are paying anything at all for our hectic lifestyles.  In fact, when everyone else is doing it too, it appears that we’re on the right track and destined for success whether it’s with our professional, personal, or family life.   Unfortunately, there comes a time when we see, and feel, what it cost us to live that life.

Stress is not necessarily bad for us.  There are times when stress can help elevate our game during an interview or important presentation, improve our performance, and help us survive danger.  Stress releases chemicals that create more energy and strength, plus keep us sharp and effective.  However, continual stress can take a negative toll on us, especially if we are not fully aware of it.

Every day we experience stress but many times that stress is barely palpable.  It may ebb and flow depending on the time of day, peaking during the rush to work, multi-tasking to get the dinner prepared and the kids homework completed, or meeting that project deadline by 4pm.  One moment of stress isn’t harmful, but if we look at our lives as an hourglass, where each grain of sand represents a stress, it quickly adds up.  Before we know it, our baseline for stress becomes higher because we have become accustomed to that new norm.  Our normal now is stress, we don’t know or feel any different.  We have conditioned ourselves quite well.

The problem with extended periods of stress is the effect it has on our bodies and therefore our quality of life.   The effects can be emotional, physical, and chemical.  Symptoms of prolonged stress include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle Tension and Contraction
  • Upset Stomach
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Chest Pain
  • Sleeping Problems
  • Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding
  • Moodiness and Short Temper
  • Frequent infections, colds

Being aware of the signs of stress is the first step towards improvement.  Then next is taking steps to identify the stressor(s) and addressing the impact it is causing on our body.  While there are many things we can do to recalibrate and improve things like:

  • Removing or minimizing exposure to the stressor
  • Meditation
  • Exercise
  • Improved sleep
  • Better nutrition

There are times though when seeking professional care is needed to help alleviate the problems caused by stress.   A Chiropractor can deliver that solution with their highly specialized training of the spine and the nervous system.  Providing adjustments releases tension that allows the body to slowly return to the optimal balanced and relaxed state.  It also improves blood circulation and reduces spinal nerve irritation that begins the process of healing.  There are also other therapies that a Chiropractor can recommend like massage therapy, relaxation techniques, and nutritional supplements.

While stress might be a permanent fixture in all of our lives, living with its repercussions doesn’t have to be.

 

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

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Why is it that when it comes to our automobiles we are like the dogs in the Pavlov experiments?  Each time an indicator light turns on we are conditioned to heed the warning and service our car.  Similarly, just how the bell would ring causing the dogs to salivate conditionally as they anticipated being fed.  The car is a source of freedom, bringing us to work and back home, taking us to our vacation destination, and out to cheer our favorite team.  Yet our most overlooked vehicle of freedom is our own body.  Granted, there are no indicator lights to tell us to get more sleep, start exercising, drink more fluids, or eat more protein, but there are indicators that, if we listen carefully, will tell us exactly what we need to know to ensure we stay on track with our health.

Our primary mode of transportation, our very selves, can never take a back seat.  In fact, ignorance, as it relates to our body, is not bliss especially as we get older.  Ignorance can cause bigger problems for ourselves and our quality of life which is something no one wants.  So, what are some of those “indicator lights” we should be looking for that tell us something is amiss with our body?

  • Chronic fatigue – do you wake up feeling just as tired as you did when you went to sleep the night before?
  • Migraines – do you find that most days you suffer from a headache?
  • Arthritis – do you feel your daily activities are restricted due to the pain and discomfort of arthritis or stiffness in your joints?
  • Sports injuries – is that old football injury causing you issues with your range of motion or pain?
  • Weight loss – have you hit a plateau with your weight loss goal and despite your best efforts feel stuck?

While the mechanic is the professional that addresses the needs of your car, a Doctor of Chiropractic is the health care professional specifically trained to address the needs of the human body through the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.   A chiropractor is focused on finding those “indicator lights” within our muscles, bones, joints and nerves to reveal the problem, identify its source, and then provide the appropriate course of treatment.

Remember, ignorance is not bliss, but rather a lack of ownership to our most important asset – our bodies.

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