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The Alternative To Knee Replacement Surgery

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Did you know that each year there are over 670,000 total knee replacement surgeries performed in the United States? Most of these surgeries are due to arthritis, a disease of the joint that causes swelling, inflammation, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. For the first time ever, a study was conducted to compare the effects of knee replacement surgery with that of other treatment options. The results indicated that there are alternatives to surgery.

While knee replacement surgery is a very popular remedy for those suffering from knee pain, there has not been good evidence showing its effectiveness. This first-ever study took 100 patients and split them in two groups. One half were provided non-surgical treatment that consisted of rehabilitation, exercise, diet recommendations, and pain medications. The other half were provided surgery followed by 12 weeks of the treatment given to the first group. Those who had the surgery improved twice as much as the other group in terms of pain, daily activities, and quality of life. However, the results had significant findings for the non-surgical group, as well. Two-thirds of those not given surgery still had a considerable improvement in pain levels, daily activities, and quality of life. Plus, only one-fourth in that group ended up having surgery within the year.

On the surface, the surgical option may appear to be the preference. Yet, if we dig a bit deeper, we find that the research revealed results for the surgery group that should also be taken into consideration before opting for surgery. With the knee replacement surgery, complications were much more frequent. These complications included “several serious deep vein clots, a fracture, and a deep infection.” There have also been other studies that indicate surgery is not as successful as one might think. Interestingly, 1 in 5 patients still experience pain six months later.

Medical experts agree that surgery should be your last resort. Other options such as weight loss, rehabilitation therapy, exercise, strength training, and diet changes can be effective at significantly improving the situation. Resist the more invasive approach. Instead try other options that give your body the opportunity to heal through the changes you make yourself.

A Sleep Epidemic

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There was a recent survey published in USA Today that asked the respondents the question, “How do you sleep at night?” Surprisingly, only 8% of the adults who responded said they routinely wake up feeling rested. I’m willing to bet that all of us remember those blissful days of our youth, when sleep came naturally and fully. Where we slept through the night for 10-12 hours at a time. Waking up in the morning we really felt completely refreshed. We opted for orange juice or milk then rather than coffee or tea today. So, why can we not enjoy that same quality of sleep as we age? Why do we find ourselves in the midst of an apparent sleep epidemic?

For many of us, getting older means significant changes to our lifestyle, our responsibilities, sleep patterns, and stress levels. The hectic pace of our life causes us to make food choices that may not be the ideal. Over time, improper nutrition, lack of exercise, and constant levels of stress have a cumulative effect on our body, especially if we do not take steps to neutralize it. The most profound effect is on our sleep which is the linchpin that keeps everything else in our body running as it should.

Without sufficient and consistent sleep, we become irritable, weary, easily frustrated, more susceptible to infection, and desperate to do whatever it takes to get through the day. This means increasing our consumption of caffeine, sugary snacks, and sometimes alcohol to help us sleep at night. The tendency to put on excess weight increases, because we simply don’t have the energy to exercise as we should. The extra weight can cause inflammation, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. And it’s all rooted in life’s most essential necessities – sleep.

We find ourselves in a sleep epidemic because we downplay the significance of sleep. We forget the effort our own parents put into getting us to bed at a reasonable time to keep us healthy and happy. Look into the mirror. What do you see? Does the face of the person looking back at you look tired? If you stop to really think about it, how tired do you really feel? When was the last time you had a good night of sleep or woke up feeling well rested?

While quality of sleep is the ultimate goal, it may be more than a matter of going to bed earlier. We may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. This could be the indication of an underlying issue that requires a change in diet, exercise, supplementation, or hormone stabilization. Only you have the power to determine how well you treat the body you find yourself in. Don’t you deserve to feel the best each and every day?

A Good Health “Impression”

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What is a good health “impression”? Let’s start with a few simple analogies to help explain.

Growing up, we were told never to “judge a book by its cover.” If we did that we’d miss out reading a great book, simply because there wasn’t a great picture on the cover compelling us to open it. It’s interesting how a simple piece of advice can apply to other areas of our life. Take, for example, meeting a new person. Will we make a snap judgement about them without getting to know them? Or, what about purchasing a new home? Will we miss the potential in a piece of real estate because the house is in need of an exterior paint job? There is also a flip side to this lesson, as well. Do we make the assumption that a pretty package automatically makes something good for us? Common sense would tell us that it doesn’t.  But how many times do we make the decision based on appearance alone for the sake of a good health “impression”?

When it comes to our health, the same philosophy can be applied. Judging our personal health by what we see on the outside can be deceiving. Deceiving and deadly. Many times, the last sign we see that something is wrong with our health is the one on the surface. Take, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, hormone imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. Just because we can’t see the effects of these conditions doesn’t mean they don’t exist.  Yet, how many of us do just that? It’s almost like we’d rather wait until it’s a four-alarm fire before we acknowledge there is a problem with our health.

The difference is choosing to be on the offense, versus the defense, when it comes to protecting our most cherished possession – our health. For too long, many of us have been on the defense, blocking the curve balls that life throws at us as we age. We seem to prefer reacting to health scares and challenges, rather than investing in prevention. But, what an easier road we could travel if we chose the offensive approach. Choosing to take the steps each and every day to give our body what it needs to serve us well. Daily steps such as:

  • Staying physically active
  • Getting the recommended sleep each night
  • Drinking alcohol with moderation
  • Not smoking
  • Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein
  • Creating a baseline of our health so we can anticipate problems before they arise
  • Learning to listen to how we feel each day
  • Advocating for ourselves
  • Relying less on the “truths” of big business and the media
  • Assuming less

Healthy aging requires nothing more than our willingness to not be passive any longer. To challenge the status quo so that we can reap the benefits with good health. Removing our assumptions enables us to enjoy a better quality of life, for ourselves and those we love.

Inflammation Diagnostic Testing

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“Into Flame”

The Latin translation of the word inflammation literally means not only flame, but to become a flame. When we think of inflammation, the immediate image that comes to mind is skin that is red, swollen, and painful. It is visible. Yet there is another type of inflammation that may not be visible or even painful, but just as much a cause of concern, if not more so.  This type is hidden beneath the surface and is gradual in its manifestation.  It begins slowly and does not cause the immediate reaction of red, swollen, and painful skin like acute inflammation does.  This is termed chronic inflammation and diagnostic testing, in addition to mindfulness, can help identify if this culprit resides within us.

Inflammation is a natural process by which the body attempts to protect itself from harmful stimuli and begin the process to heal itself.  However, unlike acute inflammation where the body’s effort is rewarded and the body is healed (like a cut or a bruise), with chronic inflammation there is no reward.  The reason? The harmful stimuli is continually present in the body.  The healing is attempted but is thwarted by the constant onslaught of the problem. Here are a few examples:

  • smoking
  • eating a diet of highly processed foods
  • alcohol consumption
  • lack of exercise
  • poor sleep habits
  • excess weight

Imagine trying to build a sand castle as the tide is rolling in. No matter how fast you move that sand to protect the castle, the waves continue to advance. With each wave, what ever progress you made is washed away leaving you where you started. Inevitably, the water begins to win and you are left with a destroyed sand castle.

Our bodies react in much the same way. The harmful stimuli is the tide. The sand castle is our body. If we continually choose to eat a diet that is high in processed foods and fat, then each meal represents another wave. Over time, our body can’t keep up with repairing the damaged caused by our poor nutrition choices. This chronic inflammation can eventually cause several diseases, including some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and periodontitis.

The key is to recognize the signs of inflammation before the disease shows up. Knowing what to look for can help you change the way you live and avoid a health scare as so many do. The symptoms that may indicate your body is suffering from chronic inflammation include:

  • ongoing, irritating pain in your joints or muscles
  • worsening asthma or allergies
  • high blood pressure or blood sugar
  • ulcers or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • constant lethargy or exhaustion
  • skin problems

If you suspect there might be a problem you can also have inflammation diagnostic testing performed. A simple test can help uncovered the truth. If you listen, your body will tell you what it needs.

What do you hear?

 

Choosing Your Chiropractor

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Choosing a Chiropractor is not unlike choosing any other healthcare professional.  It’s a very personal relationship where you truly feel he or she has your best interests at heart.  But there are other things to consider as well because you are essentially advocating for yourself.  Good health is our greatest asset and it should never be taken for granted.  It needs to be earned through daily effort.  Partnering with a Chiropractor can help you achieve and maintain this asset throughout your life.  The key, however, is making sure you chose wisely.

There are many false stereotypes regarding Chiropractors, just as there are for other professions such as lawyers and politicians.  Common sense tells us that we mustn’t judge a book by its cover, but that’s exactly what we do.  We take hearsay and turn it into fact without investing the time to find out for ourselves the truth.  The end result?  Lost opportunity to benefit from the care and expertise from a committed professional.  Rushing to a snap judgement means we’d rather follow what another says.  Relying on unsubstantiated claims can have a negative impact on our lives.  Take, for example, the marketing of several consumer goods over the decades:  Tab, Olestra, nicotine, aspartame, MSG, and GMOs.  We took for granted that because it was available, it was good for us.  Years later we learned we were wrong.

Chiropractors are doctors that specialize in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.  They practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare.  With broad diagnostic skills, they are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, in addition to nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.  They are also best known for providing spinal adjustments to help restore joint mobility that causes inflammation and pain.

But what other services does a chiropractor provide?

  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Clinical examinations
  • Patient education
  • Electrical muscle stimulation
  • Transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulators (TENS)
  • Heat and ice therapy

However, did you know that there are also other value-added services that you should be looking for when choosing your chiropractor?  Here are a few questions to consider as you explore your options:

  • Is massage incorporated with treatment?
  • What about rehabilitation?
  • How much time does the Chiropractor spend with each patient?
  • How are patients educated on achieving and maintaining wellness?
  • Is decompression as part of the treatment options?

Other ways to educate yourself on the philosophies of a particular Chiropractor is to check social media.  Are there recent testimonials?  Pictures of the practice, the doctor, the other team members?  What about reviews?  What is the general feeling regarding the practice?

When it comes to your health, never settle.  A little homework can go a long way!

Digestive Diagnostic Testing

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The key to good health lies within the gastrointestinal (GI) system. It is this system that has the ability to impact not only digestion, but mood and immunity, as well. We typically underestimate the influence it can have on our daily lives. We tend to minimize our symptoms, especially if they seem minor and don’t significantly impact our lives.

Truth be told, many people have lowered their expectations on what it means to actually feel good, or they forget what “good” feels like. Our bodies can face a daily onslaught of poor nutrition, toxins, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and inadequate physical activity. It’s no wonder that after a period of years living like this that our body begins to show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, this situation can be reversed with digestive (GI) diagnostic testing. It is one of the tools that can reveal where the deficiencies are that are causing the symptoms. By providing this insight, the proper course of action can be taken to improve not only overall digestion, but mental and emotional health, and immunity.

Our GI system contains significant amounts of bacteria. Ideally, the bacteria remains in balance, working in harmony with our body. However, the scales can tip in favor of the bacteria if we become sick or deny our body the essentials it needs to thrive. When this imbalance occurs, we open the door for disfunction in the form of an illness such as:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular Disease

We also become more susceptible to developing allergies and joint disease, in addition to inflammation, poor digestion, and malabsorption. Other consequences of an imbalanced digestive tract include:

  • gas
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • anemia
  • malnutrition
  • impaired metabolism
  • hormone imbalance

A simple test, taken at home, provides the data necessary for the diagnostic testing. The most common tests require between 1 and 3 days of samples. The lab that performs the analysis provides the results to your Doctor so that he or she can determine the best course of action to return balance to your gastrointestinal system.

The clues to our overall health can be found. They may not be obvious or visible, but they are there. We may need a little extra help to find them, but it is worth it if it means living a higher quality life, without pain, discomfort, or imbalances.

VIP Supplements: Fish Oil

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This is the second 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.

The idea of fish may be very unappetizing to some people, especially if you have a food aversion to seafood.  The term fish oil actually doesn’t connote good images either if we are completely honest with ourselves.  Sometimes, though, we find it’s those things that look and sound the most unappealing that are the most beneficial and tastiest of all.  Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?  Fish oil is one of those wonderful surprises that goes to prove we shouldn’t “judge a book by it’s cover.”

So what is fish oil exactly?  All fish contain oils, but fish that are considered fatty such as mackerel, trout, tuna, herring, sardines, and salmon, have the highest concentration of oil which is can be up to 30%.  This is much different that white fish, which contains significantly less oil which is found only in the liver versus the entire fish fillet.

There are two ingredients in fish oil that make it such a powerful supplement, or Vital & Integral Player (VIP), when it comes to maintaining optimal health:  docosahexaeonic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  Both are Omega-3 fatty acids, however, EPA is not produced by the fish itself but from the algae it consumes.  DHA on the other hand is produced by the fish.  DHA is found throughout the body, yet it’s highest concentration is in the brain and retina (97% and 93% respectively), plus it’s a key component of the heart.  EPA is a necessary building block of DHA and our diet can provide it as well.  EPA on the other hand is obtained solely from our diet.  Unfortunately, American diets are substantially lacking in Omega-3s – too much meat, too few fish, and an overabundance of preservative-laden food contributes to this deficiency.  The great news is that this trend can be reversed, and that is why fish oil makes the top five list of our VIP supplements.

Fish oil has been shown to:

  • help improve behavioral problems in children such as ADHD.
  • benefit memory recall.
  • reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  • protect against vision loss as we age.
  • positively impact sensory, cognitive, and motor development of the fetus.
  • improve blood flow.
  • reduce joint inflammation.
  • aid in bone health.
  • help decrease symptoms of postpartum depression.
  • lower bad cholesterol and increases the good.
  • improve the effectiveness of exercise to lose weight.
  • boost the immune system.
  • promote mood stabilization.
  • improve dry skin, acne, and hair.

Common sources of foods with beneficial levels of fish oil or Omega-3s are:

  • flax
  • hemp seed
  • walnuts
  • eggs
  • basil
  • spinach
  • chia seeds
  • oily fish – salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, trout, and mackerel
  • edamame
  • grass-fed beef

The ideal ratio of bad fat to good is 2:1, but the reality for the American diet today is 20:1.  Obtaining the benefits from Omega-3s means bringing balance back to our diets.  Increasing your intake of foods that have high levels of Omega-3 and reducing your consumption of fried, fast, and boxed foods will help to restore that balance.   And, most importantly, don’t forget that you can also add a high quality fish oil supplement to your diet as well.  There’s no need to leave any gaps on your journey to wellness.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

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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.

Sleep Heals

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We need it, yet a vast majority of us simply don’t get enough of it.  It’s health benefits are tremendous and we always feel great when we get it, yet we still decide it is not a priority.

Sleep is the gift we give to our body each day to recharge and revitalize ourselves, for it is only during that time that our body can heal from the effects of the day.  According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a day and teenagers need 9-10.  However, 70% of both adults and teenagers do not get sufficient sleep.  So, how is this current state of affairs affecting the overall health of our bodies?

  • Short-term memory and the ability to multi-task are greatly affected by lack of sleep.  In fact, reducing sleep from 8 to 6 hours can have such a profound effect on a person that their mental performance can be equated to a person who is legally drunk.  Imagine the effect of missing an entire night of sleep. Our body has a great memory though and requires us to pay back our debts if we skimp in the sleep department.  Going weeks, months, or years without adequate sleep does not correct itself in one night.  Our body holds us accountable.
  • Our mood is significantly impacted if we are short on sleep.  Sleep deprivation causes individuals to be grumpy, easily frustrated, short tempered, and generally less happy.
  • Without proper sleep, we deprive our body from repairing itself from the effects of stress.  Cortisol is the stress hormone our body produces.  Proper sleep allows our body to decrease those high levels of cortisol and increase another hormone that is responsible for repairing the tissue that was affected by stress.  If cortisol is allowed to remain elevated, blood pressure can remain elevated, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Loss of sleep makes us hungry and also increases our need for more insulin.  This vicious cycle causes us to eat more to achieve normal levels of blood sugar, keeps us from wanting to stay active, and builds our anxiety.  This anxiety builds the stress which keeps us from sleeping.
  • Without sufficient sleep our immune system is greatly compromised leading to an increased risk for colon cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.  Even with a minor reduction in regular sleep, inflammation occurs which is associated with many chronic ailments.
  • Initial studies are indicating that a lack of sleep ages us faster because our body’s ability to release the growth hormone is hampered.  This particular hormone is responsible for breaking down fat, repairing tissue, and protecting the body from infection.  Lack of sleep prevents the body from rejuvenating itself on a daily basis.

Be proactive and protect your sleep.  It does a body (& mind) good!

Chronic Inflammation

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When we think of inflammation, the first image that comes to mind is probably a minor injury we suffered that became infected like a splinter or skinned knee.  The area around the wound got red and was tender to the touch.  It felt hot and hurt.  We knew that with proper treatment the inflammation would subside and the wound would heal.  But inflammation can also take place inside our body as well, which doesn’t leave obvious visual signs like the splinter or skinned knee.  However, being aware of the symptoms of inflammation can help you remedy the situation.

According to Medical News Today, “inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process.” (Feb. 2015)  Acute inflammation is the wound example above which is short in duration. Chronic inflammation can last months or even years due to the body’s failure to eliminate the cause of the problem.  What are some conditions that cause chronic inflammation?

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Sinusitis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes

So how would you know that your body is suffering from chronic inflammation?  What are some of the symptoms?

  • Persistant pain in the joints or muscles
  • Worsening allergies or asthma
  • High blood pressure or blood sugar
  • Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
  • Ulcers
  • Constant fatigue or exhaustion
  • Skin problems or bloodshot eyes

According to a 2012 article in SCD Lifestyle, “Inflammation becomes chronic when it stops being an acute response” (i.e. the body’s reaction to a cut or bruise) “and remains a constant low-level physiological response.”  It continues by stating, “Chronic inflammation is when your body no longer has the ability to turn off the inflammatory response and it starts damaging healthy tissue in your body.” But guess what?  Chronic inflammation can be preventable.  Yes, it’s true – preventable by YOU.  Our lifestyle and the choices we make significantly impact our body.  A hectic schedule, high pressure job, lack of sleep, high fat foods, weight gain, sugary foods and drinks, daily consumption of alcohol – are some of the choices, when made each and every day, cause our body to become chronically inflamed. Only for the simple fact that it is trying to protect YOU.

In addition to improving your lifestyle and choices,  there are other changes you can make to reduce and eliminate chronic inflammation:

  • Taking Fish Oil
  • Getting 8 hours of sleep
  • Spinal adjustments
  • Exercise
  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meat and fish
  • Supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, and turmeric

You can stop the war your body is waging against itself.  Be aware of your choices and how they really impact you.  Allow your body to begin the healing process so you can enjoy the benefits of living without chronic inflammation.

 

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