Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

Give us a call


Schedule online

Most Insurance Accepted

VIP Supplements: Digestive Enzymes

By

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

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

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

Digestive enzymes can be broken down into three categories:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIP Supplements: Fiber

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Benefits of Turmeric

By

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

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

  • joint pain
  • inflammation
  • oncology

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

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

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

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

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

Liver Detox

By

Our liver rarely gets the attention it deserves when it comes to health and wellness.  Aside from being the second largest organ in the body, the liver’s role in sustaining life is rather astounding.  Take a look at the daily functions of our liver:

  • Provides digestive system support.
  • Controls blood sugar.
  • Regulates fat storage.
  • Regulates blood flow.
  • Stores and mobilizes energy.
  • Filters and breaks down the food we eat.

Yet, we make it increasingly difficult for our liver to do its job because of the sheer number of toxins we expose our body to on a daily basis.  If we stop to think about how the liver chemically breaks down everything that enters our body – from an organic apple to a glazed donut – the liver must distinguish between what to keep and what to dispose of.  In other words, keep all the nutrients that support life and prevent those that do not from being absorbed.  In addition to the food we eat, the body is also accosted every day with external toxins as well.  From the chemicals in our furniture and flooring to our face wash and body lotion.  This incredible amount of daily exposure to toxins overwhelms the liver and causes it to become “clogged,” where it simply can’t perform it’s role as effectively.  This in turn causes countless toxins to bypass the liver’s filter and either get absorbed or remain in the liver.  We need to help our liver help us.

First, how do we know if our liver isn’t functioning as optimally as it should?

  • Do you have difficulty losing weight and keeping it off?
  • Do you suffer from chronic fatigue?
  • Do you suffer from fibromyalgia?
  • Do you have a history of nausea?

If we listen, our body will give us the signs that something is amiss.  Answering yes to any of the above questions might be your first clue that your liver needs your help.

The good news is that you can do something about this situation.  With a proper plan in place, you can re-calibrate your body to regain the balance it needs to thrive.  That doesn’t mean dieting either, as almost 90% of people who go on diets actually gain back more weight than they lost.  By addressing the imbalances within our body we can then allow the weight to come off and stay off. Imbalances are caused by years of toxic eating, stress, environmental factors, and yo-yo dieting which lead to overeating, cravings, fatigue, pain, sleeplessness, and more stress.  Resetting the body with a switch to an organic lifestyle, eating as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible begins to restore balance in the body.  Damron Chiropractic & Wellness can provide the additional support needed to detox the liver through a physician supervised weight loss program.

Remember, you are not alone on your wellness journey.  Support is only a phone call away.

What Exactly Is a Leaky Gut?

By

It seems the term “leaky gut” is being heard more and more these days.  And while we may hear the term, many of us still aren’t sure what exactly leaky gut means?  It certainly doesn’t sound good, because anything leaking from our gut can’t be good, but it also sounds like if we had it we would know it.  The reality is that leaky gut affects many people but they simply don’t know it. The other reality is that this condition causes many other health problems, from allergies, colitis, Crohn disease, to irritable bowel syndrome.  How does this happen?

Leaky gut refers to what is happening in the small intestine.  The small intestine plays an important role in delivering vitamins and minerals to the other parts of the body through the microscopic pores that line its surface.  These pores allow the small intestine to be semipermeable, which means only certain things are allowed to pass through while others are not.  To remain healthy, the body needs the nutrients to pass through but not the toxins or undigested food particles.  Leaky gut happens when those undesirable elements do pass through the small intestine and enter the body through the bloodstream.  But what happens to the small intestine that causes these microscopic pores to open larger than they should to let this occur?

Inflammation.

The two most common causes of leaky gut are:

  1. Constipation
  2. A flora imbalance in the gut

If chronic constipation is something you continually face, inevitably those “stopped” toxins will begin to irritate the lining of the small intestine.  This irritation leads to inflammation which in turn cause those microscopic pores to enlarge.  If left untreated, this constant inflammation can lead to IBS, colitis, or Crohn disease.

Gut flora, also known as gut microbiota, is the cluster of bacteria found in your intestines.  In a healthy gut, there is a balance between both the good and the bad bacteria.  The good bacteria aids in digestion, helps in the production of some vitamins (B and K), and prevents harmful microorganisms from taking over the body.  The bad bacteria are those that can cause illness or chronic condition if allowed to take over the gut.  This imbalance between the good and bad bacteria (or flora) in our gut can also cause those pores to expand if left untreated due to chronic inflammation, just like with constipation.  This imbalance is caused by a diet high in fat, processed foods, alcohol, stress, and medications.

What can a person do to ensure there is a healthy balance of bacteria in their intestines?

  • Take the amino acid glutamine because of its ability to heal soft tissue, like the lining of the intestines.
  • Eat foods that contain probiotics like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut due to their high levels of good bacteria which help to restore balance.
  • Increase Omega-3 rich foods in your diet – salmon, edamame, and walnuts, or take a fish oil supplement.
  • Eliminate sugar from your diet, or other common irritants like soy, gluten, dairy, and additives found in processed foods.  Reintroducing foods after two weeks will help you identify the culprits.
  • Limit consumption of alcohol and pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin.
  • Stick with whole foods – organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Help your body function as it should – in balance.

How to Keep Your Brain Healthy

By

In a recent edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer, there was a great article on keeping our brains healthy as we age.  The article was based on a report from the Institute of Medicine on “cognitive aging,” which is the “changes in memory, thinking speed, decision-making, problem-solving and learning that most people notice as they age.”

There were essentially three pieces of advice from the expert panel that published this report:

  • Get more exercise
  • Control your risks for cardiovascular disease
  • Be aware of medical conditions and medications that can impair your thinking

Exercising throughout your life is important, but the older you get the the studies indicate an improvement in thinking tests, especially in middle-aged and older adults.  Don’t let excuses prevent you from starting today, even if it’s the smallest of steps.  A healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination.

Eating a balanced diet of nutritious food is key to maintaining a healthy weight.  This plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.  Not smoking is another major factor in controlling your risks for cardiovascular disease.  Being acutely aware of what you eat and how you live will help to keep your aging brain healthy.

Did you know that conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea contribute to cognitive decline? And that certain medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and some sedating antihistamines have been linked to this decline as well?  Many of the chronic conditions we face today are simply the result of a poor diet and lack of exercise.  We can reverse this trend by making better choices for ourselves.  Maintaining brain health as we age is very important based on a recent survey that was conducted by the AARP.  93% of the respondents stated that brain health was “very or extremely important” but, ironically, “few knew how to protect it.”

The answer is simple, have an active lifestyle and eat a nutrient rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.  Many times it’s that first step that is the hardest, because we’re not sure where to start.  That is when a practice like Damron Chiropractic & Wellness is ideal.  Offering you the resources to take that first step, in an environment that addresses the entire body through not only chiropractic care, but massage therapy, rehabilitation services, and personal training.  Working together we can ensure a proper foundation is in place for long-term health and wellness – especially for your brain.

 

The Surprising Gifts of Our Skin

By

 

Just like a beautifully wrapped present, shielding our eyes from not only the gift inside but the box itself protecting the contents from damage, our skin functions in much the same way.  Protecting our ability to live and creating a protective barrier around our vital organs so that we can enjoy life each and every day.

As the largest organ in the human body, with a surface area of 21 square feet in an average adult and accounting for 6-10% of our body weight, our skin is truly essential to life for without it we would literally evaporate.  The skin functions in many ways:

  • As a waterproof barrier
  • An insulating shield
  • Preventing infection
  • Manufacturing Vitamin D for healthy bones
  • Keeping us connected to the outside world through our nerves
  • Alerting us to a potential health issue

It’s the last point that is the focus of this blog post, how our skin can tell us if there is a problem within our body that needs to be addressed through the clues is reveals.  The clues, while not necessarily painful or uncomfortable, create something we dread far more – the visibility the skin clues bring to ourselves, which can be far more painful than the skin problem itself.  The good news is that our skin condition is usually alerting us to an inflammation that originates elsewhere in the body.  By working with a skilled health practitioner, the underlying cause can be addressed rather than simply addressing the symptoms which can be temporary.

Here is a list of the common, chronic skin conditions many of us encounter, what may be triggering it, and what strategies you can utilize to correct it.

  • Eczema – Common causes are food sensitivities or other lifestyle-related triggers.  Remedies include avoiding the offending food(s) for six to eight weeks, hydration, food allergy and celiac testing, and GI testing.  Often the symptoms can be eliminated without medication.
  • Dry Skin – Common causes are nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or circulatory disorders.  A low thyroid function, circulatory problems, environmental exposures and medical conditions can contribute to persistent dryness or xerosis.  A diet lacking in B vitamins, healthy fats, and long-term use of antacids can be the culprit as well.  Improving the diet to increase dietary fats, probiotics, and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E are beneficial.
  • Acne – Common causes are an excess of inflammatory foods, deficiency of nutrient rich foods, hormonal imbalances, and food intolerances.  Modifying one’s diet is usually all it takes to improve the skin.  Reducing milk consumption, increasing vegetables, decreasing grains and fruit, taking fish-oil and zinc supplements, adequate sleep, and stress management all help eliminate acne.
  • Psoriasis – Common causes include an irritated gut, overactive immune system, or a metabolic syndrome.  Remedies include non-smoking, alcohol moderation, a low-glycemic, nutrient-rich diet, and fish oil.  Removing the common inflammatory food triggers first – gluten, sugar, and diary – is a good first step.
  • Premature Aging – Common causes are the damages caused by the lifestyle choices one makes and the skin’s ability to keep up with the repair work.  Remedies include a healthy diet, reduction in stress or proper stress management, and smoking cessation.
  • Skin Tags – Common causes are blood-sugar and hormonal problems.  Remedies include lowering sugar intake and incorporating a healthy, balanced diet.

Use your skin as a means to communicate what is happening on the inside of you.  A quick self-inventory can go a long way in keeping you living a healthy life.

Reasons to Eliminate Prescription Meds

By

Just turn on the television for a few minutes and channel surf.  In no time, chances are that you will find a commercial for some type of pharmaceutical drug be it for lowering cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, inflammation, hormones, or antacids.  You could even flip through any magazine and find numerous ads there as well.  We are inundated by the messages from companies who provide “solutions” to our medical problems.  Or are they really the “solutions” we need?

After every advertisement, especially print, you find pages of small print covering side effects, potential side effects, precautions, and risks of taking that particular pharmaceutical.  It’s almost like a tradeoff – one problem is addressed but four others have taken its place.  Still, at the end of the day, the original problem still exists because if no other changes are made and the drug is no longer taken, the problem presents itself once again – cholesterol elevates, blood sugar increases.  Ironically, those prescription medications are only supposed to temporarily alleviate the problem because one needs to take the proper dose to keep it at bay.

Let’s take a look at several major classifications of medications, what they are typically prescribed for, and their side effects:

  • Statin – prescribed to lower cholesterol by reducing the amount the liver produces, yet cholesterol is necessary for the normal function of every cell in the body.  Typical side effects of statins include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and muscle pain.  Rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins, is the rapid destruction of skeletal muscle that causes muscle weakness and pain.  Common brand names – Lipitor and Zocor.
  • Metformin –  prescribed to treat Type 2 Diabetes to help control high blood sugar levels.  Typical side effects include abdominal discomfort, lower back or side pain, cough or hoarseness, fever or chills, and sleepiness.  Common brand names – Glucovance, Glucophage XR.
  • Anti-Inflammatory – also known as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are used to treat inflammation caused by chronic conditions and injuries.  Typical side effects include vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, and drowsiness.  Common brand names – Celebrex and Toradol.
  • Bio-Identical Hormones – prescribed for menopausal women to alleviate symptoms by supplementing hormone levels.  Also known as Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), the hormones created are chemically identical to those your body produces through a process called compounding.  Compounding allows the BRHT to be specifically made for the individual vs a “one size fits all” approach.  Typical side effects include acne, irritability, bloating, cramping, spotting, and breast tenderness.  Common brand names – Climara Pro and Estrogel.
  • Antacids & Proton Inhibitors – used to treat heartburn, gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), and gastric ulcers caused by stomach acid that is either overproduced or in the wrong place.  Typical side effects include fracture risk, pneumonia risk, C-diff infections, and Iron and B12 deficiencies.  Common brand names – Prilosec and Nexium.

Did you know that there is another way to improve your health without resorting to a prescribed drug if you suffer from any of the conditions above?  It’s true.  And while it might require a little effort on your part, it will do more that simply applying a temporary “fix” to your symptoms.  This other way will have lasting, positive, long-term effects on your life that will address the source of your symptoms.

  • High Cholesterol – Make dietary changes, eliminating processed foods, sugary drinks, and high fat options.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – Control your food intake.  By taking full responsibility for what you eat you will eliminate the need to be on medication.
  • Inflammation – Reduce diet of processed foods and sodas, increase your water intake (optimal 1/2 body weight in ounces), and increase omega 3’s (i.e. fish and cod oil, flax).
  • Menopause – Utilize saliva testing to find the root cause of hormonal imbalances which can be balanced through diet and nutritional supplements.
  • Heartburn/Reflux/Ulcers – When the amount of stomach acid is at the correct level, these things are not an issue.  Increasing betain chloride through supplementation is one way of increasing the stomach acid production, correcting this problem. However, ulcers (damage to the stomach wall) will be worsened with the increased stomach acid. Therefore, the stomach lining must be healed first through a proper diet, nutrition, and supplements to heal the lining of the stomach.

The ability to change your life rests in your two hands.  Stop the merry-go-round effect that relying on prescription medicine is the solution, when in reality it is only a band-aid that masks the root of the problem.

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