Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

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Wellness Is An Inside Job

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Remember the scene in the movie “The Wizard of Oz” when Glenda the Good Witch tells Dorothy that she always had the power to go home? That the power never was in the ruby slippers that she was wearing throughout the movie. That was a powerful statement made by Glenda, and it truly shocked Dorothy when she heard those words. All along Dorothy thought the answer was somewhere to be found within the land of Oz, not as simple as something she had all along.

How many times have we done something similar to Dorothy when it comes to how we treat our health and wellness? We buy into the latest trends, buy the books, the products, the memberships. We search for answers to our healthcare challenge outside of ourselves whether it’s to lose weight or simply get in better shape. The reality is that all along the answer really resided within us. We didn’t need all that “extra stuff” to get where we needed to go. Sometimes the answer is in plain sight, and because it is so obvious we can’t see it.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a choice. The first step is acknowledging that we alone have the power to transform our lives for the better. It begins with a commitment to ourselves to make decisions each and every day that align with a healthy lifestyle. We might need a little help along the way too, just like Dorothy with the Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. It may have been quite some time since we’ve exercised, so we don’t even know where to begin. We may not really know how to prepare healthy meals. That’s okay. Finding a place that focuses on wellness care versus disease care is a good starting point. Think of it like those ruby slippers. You need to actually put your feet into those slippers first. Just like you need to take that first step towards your wellness goals. No one has the power but you. No one.

 

Disease Care

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Think about the times when we would go to see a doctor? We are feeling sick, we’ve injured ourselves, we aren’t getting better, we are experiencing pain, we found something suspicious on our skin, the list could go on and on. Essentially, we visit a doctor to treat a problem, for disease care.

In the chiropractic field, the opposite is the case. These doctors are in the business of health care. Working to ensure that their patients stay healthy and well versus only coming in when there is a problem. This approach is proactive and requires a different perspective, similar to a healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy lifestyle means making choices every day that align themselves with that mentality. Exercising several times each week. Eating fruits and vegetables every day. Skipping the fast food and opting for cooking at home. Drinking plenty of water versus carbonated drinks. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work. We have decided that maintaining good health is a priority and will take the steps necessary to ensure that it stays that way.

The best case scenario is to have a family chiropractor, just like you would have a family dentist, an optometrist, or orthodontist. A chiropractor is someone you and your family visit regularly for preventative disease care. This type of care is proactive not reactive. Think about the condition of our car if we chose to maintain it only when we had a problem. Never got the oil changed, rotated the tires or filled them with the correct amount of air. Never refilled the washer fluid or replaced the wiper blades. Never got the car washed of all the salt from winter. How good do you think our car would run over time? Would we significantly shorten its the life of the car? This is the approach of disease care. Why would we treat our bodies any differently than we do to properly maintain our car?

Remember to think about your health and wellness as something to be maintained, as a lifestyle, not something to tend to only when there is a problem. Say goodbye to disease care.

Who’s Driving?

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There are two ways to live your life, and you may have heard this saying before, too. You can be in the driver’s seat or the passenger seat. Being in the driver’s seat means you are in control. You decide where you are going. Being a passenger, on the other hand, means something entirely different. You do not have control of the wheel. You are simply along for the ride. You have allowed someone else to make decisions for you essentially. When it comes to health and wellness, the question we need to ask ourselves is “Who’s driving?” Are we, or are we allowing modern day conveniences and a sedentary lifestyle drive us?

It may come as no surprise that our society is facing a health epidemic. Obesity rates are at an all time high and with that comes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation. But why is this the case today? Is it because we have allowed ourselves to be put into the passenger seat of life? And if we have, why would we give up control on our life? Is it easier that way? Is it more convenient? Or have we simply given up on ourselves?

If you have found yourself in the passenger seat of life, there is a way to move over to the driver’s side. The first step is realizing you have put yourself in the passenger seat. The second step is actually wanting to move to the other side. The third is remembering that you always had control of you. Talk to anyone who has lost weight, got healthier, got off their medications for type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. You can see their joy before they even speak a single word. They decided to get in the driver’s seat once again. The feeling of accomplishment and success permeates from them. Yes, it may have taken a while to reach their goals, but each day they remained in the driver’s seat.

You can do it, too. Yes, it’s true. Just slide over to the driver’s seat and grab the wheel. Begin now on your journey back to wellness. If you need help, you can drive yourself right over to us. Our passion is restoring wellness to those we serve.

Passing the Buck With Pain

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Sometimes it takes a health crisis to realize that the healthcare industry has a tendency to pass the buck more often than not. A patient came to us recently who had seen various doctors regarding unexplained pain she was experiencing. Each doctor essentially did nothing to help her except tell her to see another doctor. It was obvious she was lost and frustrated, not to mention still in pain without any answers.

One of the first questions Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) asked her during her consult was, “What happened around the time you began experiencing this pain?” She replied, somewhat hesitantly, “A very minor car accident.” It was right then and there that the doctor realized what was causing the pain and the X-rays confirmed it.

The “very minor car accident” was causing pain in her lower abdomen, specifically her bladder. The various doctors she had seen kept testing for a urinary tract infection that continued to come back negative. One doctor suggested it could be interstitial cystitis, an incurable inflammation of the bladder lining. The X-rays revealed a compression in her lower spine involving the vertebrae that contained the nerves affecting the bladder and lower abdomen. After one decompression treatment and a spinal adjustment her pain had noticeable improved. She was also prescribed supplements that aid in disc and connective tissue health. Fast forward one week and this patient is feeling like her old self once again!

You see, two things happened that left someone in pain:

  1. The right questions were never asked.
  2. Something as insignificant as a “very minor car accident” can have a big impact on a person’s body.

There is always a root cause to pain. And usually where the pain is felt is not the actual source. Plus, any jarring of the body, no matter how small can create havoc in the body because the body absorbs that energy. Slight shifts in the body’s alignment can be enough to create pain. Seeking the car of a chiropractor can not only heal a person, but also keep them healthy and well.

Our Pavlov Response

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In the early 1900s, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov accidentally discovered classical conditioning while working with dogs. Classical conditioning involves an unconditioned stimulus and response. Then replacing the unconditioned stimulus with a neutral one in order to get the same response. Using dogs, Pavlov found that the dog began to salivate (unconditioned response) to an unconditioned stimulus, the food. He then realized he could turn a neutral stimulus,such as a bell ringing, into a conditioned response. In other words, the dog would begin to salivate when the bell rang, just as it did when it saw food. Our response to many things in life is really no different than what the dogs experienced in Pavlov’s experiments. We, too, have our own Pavlov response, especially when it comes to health and wellness.

Commercials and advertisements would like us to believe that what they are promoting is the solution to what we are searching for. All to often we believe that what they are promoting is the solution, as well. Heck, who doesn’t want their problem to disappear, especially those that involve our health and wellness? So, the unconditioned stimulus is the solution being promoted. Our response is the hope brought about by the possibility of a solution. Advertisements use various means to get our Pavlov response. They are looking for an action from us – a purchase!

To achieve sustainable good health and wellness, we need to change our stimulus. We have been conditioned for far too long to believe that improved health comes in the form of a pill or latest trend. Changing the stimulus means reconditioning ourselves to find the solution elsewhere:

  • whole food nutrition
  • exercise
  • adequate sleep
  • lower stress
  • meditation
  • chiropractic care
  • massage

We can change the outcome if we are aware of how we have been responding. We can train ourselves to respond in a better way. One that truly addresses the root of our problem versus opting for the band-aid approach that does nothing more than keep us exactly where we are.

The Root of Pain

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A valuable lesson was learned recently about how even the most minor of car accidents can have a big impact on a person’s body. And the impact wasn’t even realized until almost 2 months later. Ironically, the M.D.s who were treating this particular person missed the root of the problem. Instead, they were more focused on treating the symptoms which merely put a band-aid on the problem. The root of the problem still existed and continued to cause pain. As an observer, watching someone suffer and not know the cause can make you feel helpless. So is trying to find a solution, yet only finding roadblocks. However, within 5 minutes of entering Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) a question was asked that changed everything and shed the light on the root cause of the pain.

This particular question was not asked by any of the other medical professionals seen since the inception of the pain. This question should have been asked by all, but wasn’t. The question?

“What happened 6-8 weeks ago around the time that this pain began?”

The answer given? “A minor car accident.” But when it was said, it was almost with disbelief that that incident could be in any way related to the pain the person was experiencing. The x-rays taken of the affected area revealed vertebrae compression. This area directly correlated with the pain. The solution was to begin spinal decompression to relieve the pressure at the base of the spine, adjustments, electrical stimulation, and dietary supplements for disc and connective tissue health. After one visit, the patient felt better than she had in weeks.

This minor car accident turned out to not be so minor after all. While there was almost no damage done to her vehicle as a result of the collision, her body still absorbed the force of the impact. It was this force that changed the structure of her body. While the change was also very minor, it was enough to affect the nerves in her spine and create the pain she was sporadically experiencing. Sometimes pain that lasted hours at a time, without any rhyme nor reason to its appearance. On the surface it appeared that the pain was caused by something entirely different.

The care received by a Chiropractor is truly unique in the healthcare field. It is within this specialty that cures are found without the use of medications or surgery. It is a holistic approach that utilizes the structure of the body to self-heal.

Imagine the difference in people’s lives if they chose the care of a Chiropractor first when experiencing pain and discomfort? There’s nothing worse than living in the dark, without answers as to what is causing you pain. A person’s quality of life simply starts to diminish.

Together, let’s continue to shine the light on the countless benefits of chiropractic care.

 

A Different Perspective on Wellness

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Talking about health and wellness seems to be very much like talking about politics or religion. Everyone has an opinion, but no one is willing to listen to the other person. Instead, we are all interested in only what WE have to say, not what the other person has to say. Somehow, we believe that if we do listen, we are indicating that they are right and we are wrong. Well, that way of thinking couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, not only is it wrong, but it also severely limits our ability to learn and grow.

Think about it for a moment. What happens when people start talking about things like not vaccinating their children, not getting a flu shot each year, or even organic food? If it is something completely different than what we believe, we make either a snap judgement about that person or flat out disagree. Either way, we aren’t listening or aren’t interested in learning more about their decision to pursue something different from us. But why? Is it because we secretly like to be right? Is it because we can’t admit that, perhaps, we didn’t do enough research to justify our decision? Is it because we simply took the path of least resistance, because “everyone is doing it” – something like the mob mentality?

Maybe it’s time we started to really listen to what is being said out there about maintaining good health and wellness? Not the advertisements about particular weight loss products or medications, but to what the professionals in the field are saying and living. Take, for example, chiropractors. If schooling for both chiropractors and M.D.s are very similar in terms of classes and length of time, why would one decide to pursue a more holistic approach to wellness? That is the key. Choosing a profession that is vastly different from the norm speaks to passion. It also speaks to a different view on what it means to be healthy and well.

Instead of choosing to stick with what we know as it relates to our own health and wellness, maybe it’s time to start looking through a different lens. A lens that sees the body as intricately connected. A body that is designed to function with proper nutrition, alignment, exercise, sleep, and stress management. One has nothing to lose by learning more about something which we may not know much about. In fact, what we learn could have a significant impact on our quality of life.

Try using a different lens on life. You might be surprised at what you see and how it affects your overall wellness.

Fear of the Unknown

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Remember being a kid and your parents wanting you to try a new food? You would look at your plate with fear at that strange food staring back at you. Your parents would proclaim how delicious it really is, but you just aren’t buying it. Eventually, after some cajoling you do try it. Remember being pleasantly surprised? Being fearful of the unknown is normal. We have all experienced it at some point in our life. The question we need to ask ourselves is if the fear itself is preventing us from enjoying life more and living life better? Perhaps misconceptions are creating the fear and if we were provided with the most accurate information it would change our lives.

Chiropractors and those that work within the wellness field have been known to fall in this same category – fear of the unknown. While we may have heard the word “chiropractor” we may not fully understand what it really means. This misunderstanding could be the result of misinformation, assumptions, or ignorance, but that does not change the fact that we choose to avoid what we don’t know or understand. It is not uncommon for people to visit Damron Chiropractic & Wellness for the first time and seeing a chiropractor is their last resort. Upon finishing their treatment plan they realize that seeing a chiropractor for their pain should have been their first choice of care. They realize the time they wasted on other solutions that simply did not work. They realize that they let misconceptions get in the way of choosing the best option of care for themselves. Seeing a chiropractor has its benefits.

Advocating for yourself means taking the time to learn. Seek to know how to best ensure you live in wellness. Challenge the status quo and never make assumptions, especially the older you get and good health is priceless. If the fear of the unknown is something you struggle with, invest time to educate yourself. You never know, it could end up being that the fear was holding you back from living your best life yet!

Health Obstacles

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The English rock band Foals released a song in 2015 titled “Mountain at My Gates.” The title probably says it all, but it’s a song about the obstacles in life we face each day. We will always have obstacles in our life, that is unavoidable. We may not necessarily like them either, but how we handle them can make a big difference in our life especially as it relates to our overall health.

The easiest example of one of life’s obstacles is when we decide we want to lose weight. Up until we make that decision, we know we are not at our ideal weight. We know we shouldn’t eat certain things. We know we could look and feel better. But there is a mountain at our gates. That mountain is not only the effort it will take to succeed, but the self-motivation and stamina, too. Because, while it may not be difficult to get started with a weight loss plan, there will come a time in our journey where we get frustrated. Frustrated because the weight is not coming off. Frustrated because we had a weak moment and ate far more than we should have. Frustrated because it’s much harder than we thought it would be. But that is the essence of an obstacle, isn’t it?

The first step to overcoming any obstacle is to acknowledge that sooner or later you will face one. It’s part of life. The second step is to be kind to yourself if you slip up and let that obstacle get the best of you. The best thing you can do is move forward and not dwell on the mistake. And the third step is to surround yourself with people you trust to hold you accountable to yourself. These are your go-to people the moment you sense Remember, an obstacle is something that hinders your progress whether it’s internal or external. These are the times you need to test yourself and your commitment to YOU, even if you falter. Recommit. Think how good it will feel to know that you persevered through the obstacles that came your way and realized your goal despite them.

Wellness Speed Bumps

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In an ideal world, events would go as planned, the sun would always shine, and our favorite team would always win. There would be no obstacles in our way. Ever. Unfortunately, we all know that isn’t reality. In the real world, there are ups and downs. Days we wish would never end and days we wish would end already. Likewise with our health, our intentions to work out, eat right, reduce stress, and sleep more may always be our goal, but there inevitably comes a time when we experience those wellness speed bumps.

Think of it as one of those speed bumps you come across in a parking lot or residential area. As annoying as it might be, there is a reason for its presence. It’s telling us to slow down, watch for children, beware of other vehicles. The bumps we experience on our path to wellness are there for a reason as well.

You might be thinking, “what exactly is a speed bump that I might experience on my quest for a healthier life?” Well, a great example falls about 6 weeks after the new year. Six weeks after we state our New Year’s resolutions. We get to a point where our motivation dwindles, we let excuses hinder our progress, or we simply get tired. That would be a wellness speed bump.

When this happens, acknowledge it. Don’t deny the shift in yourself. Maybe this speed bump is telling you that you need to recharge for a day or two. Maybe it means it’s time to mix things up a bit and pamper yourself as a reward for the progress you have made. Maybe it’s just trying to remind you that you are not a robot. Programmed to go through the motions without feeling anything. Either way, there is a message. Listen to what your body is telling you and honor it. Taking a break doesn’t mean you have given up. It only means you need some time to refocus on your goals once again. It happens to everyone. Don’t beat yourself up for being human. The path to a better life is filled with speed bumps. Learning to expect and respect them will help ensure you stay true to your wellness goals.

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