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Myth #4: A Chiropractor Is Not a Real Doctor

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Myth #4: A Chiropractor is not a real doctor.

If you look up the word ‘doctor‘ you will find the following definitions:

“a person skilled or specializing in healing arts” (Merriam-Webster)

“a person licensed to practice medicine” (Dictionary.com)

Most people equate the word ‘doctor‘ with the person you see when you are injured or sick. However, this is not entirely true. What limits our understanding of a doctor is our experiences and awareness. It’s like being born and raised in a particular part of the country and never being exposed to the rest of the world. Our understanding is limited by our experiences. The fact that we have not been exposed to the rest of the world does not mean it doesn’t exist, or that there aren’t better places to live.

The modern-day medical field is filled with highly reputable and qualified physicians. However, it is also heavily driven by the pharmaceutical industry. We have been conditioned through advertising to look for solutions to our ailments with pharmaceuticals. In fact, as of 2015, direct-to-consumer advertising jumped 19% from the previous year to $5.4 billion (Kantar Media).  This industry only makes money if we are sick.

Doctors of Chiropractic are fundamentally different from what many would consider “regular doctors” largely because of their approach to wellness. Yet, the schooling for each is just as intense. Plus, they both have written and oral state boards to pass at the state and national levels. Chiropractors do not rely on prescription medications to treat their patients. Rather, wellness is achieved holistically where the root cause of pain is found and corrected.

Ironically, the Latin root for ‘doctor‘ is actually ‘teacher.’ When a person chooses the field of chiropractic as their profession, they are making a decision to pursue a career that combats the pharma industry. A chiropractor is most certainly a real doctor, just as a medical doctor is. Yet what makes them different from each other is their approach to health and wellness. At the end of the day, we need to decide how we are going to treat our body. We can constantly be on the defensive, only reacting when there is a problem. Or, we can be proactive with our health. Allowing our body to do what it does best, heal. That is the essence of chiropractic care.

Pain and the Choices We Make

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Imagine two closed doors. You have a choice as to which one you will open. The only information you have been given to help you decide is the following:

Behind the first door is something that you are familiar with. The results you are looking for are not 100%. It may cost you more, but there are no surprises. 

Behind the second door is something that you are not familiar with. However, the results you are looking for are closer to your ideal. It costs less but there are surprises, ones you will like.

You have two options because of a health problem that is affecting your quality of life, pain. So, given the two options, which door do you choose?

A recent study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) revealed three reasons to choose the second door – “superior satisfaction ratings, reduced costs, and similar outcomes to medical care.” Chiropractic care represents the second door. The first door the care received by a medical doctor (MD). Not surprisingly, most of the U.S. population chooses to visit a medical doctor first when it comes to relieving pain. In the study, 403 patients saw a medical doctor and 316 patients saw a chiropractor as their first choice of care for “their spinal, hip, or shoulder pain.” A questionnaire was completed on day 1 and at 4-months to evaluate the patients pain, the care received, and the costs of care.

The results of the study:

  • Patients treated by a chiropractor experienced a greater reduction in pain.
  • Patients treated by a medical doctor first were less likely to be satisfied with the care they received.
  • Those treated by a chiropractor were more satisfied with the outcome of the care they received.
  • The costs were much lower for those who were treated by a chiropractor.

Now, given what you have learned, which door would you choose?

What Is a Real Doctor?

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If you were asked the question, “what is a real doctor?” how would you answer it? Would your answer include how they look? Where they work? Where they went to school? How they ranked in their graduating class? What their specialty is? It’s probably safe to say that our answers are based on our own experiences with doctors and what we have seen in the media. If we look beneath the surface, do we really know what makes not only a real doctor, but a good doctor?

History tells us that a doctor is about disease care. We see one when we are sick and suffering from symptoms. We also see a doctor when we discover something abnormal about our body, have suffered a broken bone, or have a chronic condition like juvenile diabetes or arthritis. Unfortunately, sometimes when we see that abnormality or have developed that chronic condition we are at a major disadvantage. It also costs us far more in the long run. So, what is the alternative? Being on the offense, or rather, practicing preventative care.

To a majority of Americans, preventative care means going to the dentist twice a year, getting a mammogram at the age of 40, or a yearly checkup at the pediatrician for our kids. But shouldn’t it go further than that? In an ideal world, wouldn’t it be better to prevent illnesses and chronic conditions, plus improve our quality of life in the process? The reality is that the ideal is possible and with a real doctor, too.

One of those real doctors that most Americans fail to consider are Doctors of Chiropractic. Yes, it’s true. Chiropractors actually specialize in preventative care. In other words, their treatment helps to keep us healthy and improve our quality of life. These specialists earn a Bachelors Degree just as physicians do, typically in biology, chemistry, physics or exercise science. Just as physicians do. Both chiropractors and physicians attend four years of graduate school with similar classes such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology. They both also perform clinical hours, lab hours, and are required to pass their Boards to become certified.

So perhaps it’s time to rethink what a real doctor is and which camp you have been in – disease care or preventative care.

 

Online Self-Diagnosing Hazards

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The accessibility of information today is astounding. So much available at our fingertips. Have a question? Google it. Need directions? MapQuest it. What about when it comes to your health? Have you ever had a question regarding a particular symptom you are experiencing? Did you go online to determine what you have and whether or not you should seek medical attention? Or have you ever thought something peculiar was going on with your body and wanted to see if it was something you should be concerned about? While searching online for answers might put our mind at ease, there are many hazards with online self diagnosing.  New research is revealing how inaccurate the online information is especially as it relates to symptom checkers, like WebMD or the Mayo Clinic.

Just this year, Harvard Medical School published a study evaluating the accuracy of these online tools. The results were surprising considering the millions a time a year we utilize symptom checker websites. The study found that only half the time did the symptom checker provide the correct diagnosis. Half. In order to reach this conclusion, the researchers used 45 fake patient symptoms. When the top 3 ailments were provided, only 51% of the cases had the correct diagnosis within the top 3. Plus, only 34% of the time, the online symptom checkers had the correct ailment as the first most likely option.

Another hazard with online self-diagnosing is knowing when to really seek medical attention. If there is only an accuracy rate of 50%, then you may go to the doctor without really needing to. Fear is likely the motivating factor here, suggested the researchers. Fear of something more serious happening with that person’s health. Many times simply seeing the list of potential illnesses is enough to create profound fear and anxiety in an individual.

While there is certainly some benefit to using these online self diagnosing tools, we cannot place all our faith in them. They can provide some insight and guidelines, but it does not substitute the benefits of interacting in person with a doctor. You know your body best. Listen to it. Advocate for yourself when you suspect something is wrong, but don’t jump to conclusions. Another option you might consider is building a relationship with a Doctor of Chiropractic. Most, if not all, practices welcome walk-ins. If you are a regular patient, walking in to talk to your Chiropractor when you have a troubling symptom can give you the peace of mind you need, without being misled by an inaccurate online self-diagnosis.

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