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Sacrum & Coccyx

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Sacrum is derived from the Latin word os sacrum which means “sacred bone.” The word “sacred” is significant because it is the base of support for the entire upper body. In addition to that it also provides support for the spine, holds the spinal nerves, and connects with the hip bones to form the pelvis. The sacrum is located just below the lumbar spine and begins as 5 distinct vertebrae until it solidifies into a single bone between the ages of 18 and 30. Just beneath the sacrum is the coccyx, also known as the tailbone. It is made up of between one and three bones that are fused together, bears the body’s weight while sitting, plus provides an anchor for the muscles in the pelvic region.

Everything from the hips on down are the parts of the areas of the body that are controlled by the nerves in this region of the spine. There are symptoms associated with a problem in the sacrum and coccyx from pain when sitting, to hemorrhoids and itching in the same area. The sacrum plays a vital role in several systems in the human body: skeletal, muscular, nervous and female reproduction. In the skeletal system, the it is the cornerstone for the spine and hips. It connects key muscles in the legs and hips, giving the legs movement. With respect to the nervous system the sacrum and coccyx protect the nerves that control the lower extremities. And in a woman, the sacrum helps to form the pelvic cavity which supports and protects the fetus.

Fractures can occur in the sacrum. These fractures are known as sacral insufficiency fractures. These occur when the sacral bone is no longer able to handle the weight it carries. In older women, osteoporosis is the leading cause of sacral insufficiency fractures, but other risk factors include radiation to the pelvis, steroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, anorexia, and hip joint replacement. Surprisingly these fractures can also occur in pregnant or breast feeding women due to a condition known as temporary osteoporosis. Symptoms of this type of fracture include pain in the lower back, hips, groin, or pelvis area. Up until the early 80’s, sacral insufficiency fractures went undiagnosed. Treatment is non-surgical and requires rehabilitation therapy, electrical stimulation, and massage.

 

Finish Your Treatment Plan

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If you’ve ever had a prescription filled, you know that the doctor tells you to finish the medication even if you feel better once again. The bottle also alerts you to the same thing. Why? Well just because you feel better does not necessarily mean that you are. The fact that you feel better is a great thing, but there is a reason that the course of treatment is the length that it is. Likewise, with the treatment plan you are prescribed by a chiropractor, there is a reason to finish it, even though you start to feel better once again. You want to stay better.

Not finishing your medication means there’s a high likelihood that your problem will return because it wasn’t entirely gone in the first place. Granted it was diminished substantially, but the remnants that had not yet been removed by the effects of the medication now have a chance to regroup and flourish once again. This situation leaves you back where you started from. When you seek the care of a chiropractor, the doctor always prescribes a treatment plan to address the pain. The typical length of a treatment plan is 4 to 6 weeks. At about week 2, if not sooner, the patient starts to feel good again. The pain is nearly gone, if not totally gone. While this is fantastic news, this does not mean that treatment is over. In fact, it has only just begun. Just like when taking medication. One needs to finish the course of treatment for it to be effective.

Know that there is a purpose behind each chiropractic visit. Know that each visit during your treatment plan is a step towards healing. Give your body the time it needs to reap the benefits of each adjustment, massage therapy, and strengthening you do during treatment. Feeling great is good, but staying that way is even better!

Myofascial Release Therapy

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There’s massage, and then there’s massage therapy. Big difference that many people don’t realize. The first feels good, but only scratches the surface in terms of really addressing the muscles. Massage therapy on the other hand looks at the body from a therapeutic perspective. Digging much deeper into the foundation of the body through the muscles. One particular form of massage therapy is called myofascial release.  Myofascial Release Therapy is a safe and effective technique that involves applying gentle yet sustained pressure to the connective tissue that provides support and protection to our muscles and bones. This is a hands-on therapy to eliminate pain and restore motion. However, with this technique, slight discomfort may be involved because of the poor condition of the myofascial. This is normal and to be expected in order to properly heal.

The way we treat our bodies at various times in our life is troubling. We punish it with overuse, improper restoration, and disregard. It’s only later that we feel the effects of how we treated it – aches, pain, weight gain, inflammation. A traditional massage, like a Swedish Relaxation Massage, is exactly what the name implies – relaxing. Myofascial Release is different. While it is a form of massage therapy, the purpose is not to be relaxing. The purpose is to heal the body and sometimes healing can create some discomfort. The discomfort is coming from the restrictions in the connective tissue brought about by surgery, trauma, and inflammation. The punishment we gave our body over the years.

The good news is what the end result means to the patient:

  • Decreased Pain
  • Alleviated Pressure
  • Restoration of Full Motion
  • Reduced Inflammation
  • Improved Function

The old exercise motto “No Pain, No Gain” can also be applied to Massage Therapy. Proper healing cannot occur without some type of discomfort or minimal pain. The massage therapist is breaking down the muscles from their current state so that they can return to how they should be. This breaking down process is what causes the discomfort. It is normal and to be expected. The relief you feel after Myofascial Release Therapy is somewhat surreal. You simply cannot believe how good you feel. It’s almost as if your entire body is thanking you.

Circle of Care

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Things at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) are a little different than they are at other chiropractic offices. Most practices provide only one element of care to patients, that being chiropractic. While there is nothing wrong with this singular approach to wellness, we believe that there are ways to enhance it so that the benefits of chiropractic are maximized and retained. At DCW we provide a circle of care that incorporates three other therapies to every person we treat:

  1. Massage Therapy
  2. Rehabilitation
  3. Nutritional Support

So, what is the significance to this methodology? Well, structurally, a body that is out of alignment will eventually go back to its original state after an adjustment if nothing else is done to support it. The muscles will work against the realignment, as they are use to holding the body in a certain way. Massage therapy works to loosen the muscles that are holding the body in a particular position. This in turn will improve the results of each alignment. Likewise, incorporating rehabilitation will strengthen those muscles to hold the body’s structure as it should.

Our body is designed to function a certain way; however, life sometimes gets in the way. Years of improper posture, accidents, childbirth, or aging can have a negative affect on how our body is aligned. Off-setting that with the care of a Chiropractor is providing your body with preventative maintenance, and coordinating that with massage therapy, rehabilitation, and nutritional support completes the circle of care.

Knowing that you have several wellness professionals working together to provide you with the best possible care should give you peace of mind. It should also tell you that DCW is interested in getting you well once again because our individualized care plans have an end in mind. This end is possible because we have strategically incorporated three other modalities that can truly support the benefits of chiropractic care.

Accountability Partner

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Any path to self-improvement is better when we have someone on the journey with us. Not only does it tell us that we are not alone, but it also benefits us in other ways as well. We have someone who has a better understanding of what we are going through, we have someone who can speak to our personal experience because they are right there with us, we also have someone who will hold us accountable to our journey. We have an accountability partner, who will ensure we stay on track and not let obstacles prevent us from succeeding. And sometimes that obstacle is our own self.

Many times our journey towards better overall health requires more than ourselves in order to be successful. And that’s okay. We are social beings. Taking that first step in the right direction can require a lot of effort. Why? Well, the fear of failure can be a very powerful thing. We may have tried once before and failed. We may be unsure of even where to begin. We may get frustrated and decide to settle with what we have. If we have an accountability partner, we have that external motivation to keep us moving forward. We have someone telling us not to settle, to expect and demand more for ourselves.

Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) can be that accountability partner you are looking for. We understand where you are and where you want to be, plus can address the needs of the “whole” you. Surrounding yourself with the right resources to help you along your journey can mean the difference between success and failure. And success with weight loss is what you want, right? Addressing the needs of all of you means going deeper than simply losing weight. It means strength training, it means better nutrition with supplements if needed, it means a structure that is in alignment, it also means addressing any muscle issues as well with massage.

DCW is rooting for you! Your success is our success. Who’s holding you accountable?

Health: Your Greatest Asset

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Ringing in the new year means many things. Resolutions. Watching the ball drop in Times Square. Celebrating with family and friends. It also causes us to pause and reflect on the year coming to an end. The successes, the failures, the joys, the sorrows. We look forward to the new year with hope and excitement, too, for we realize the possibilities that await us. But we also take inventory of our life as well. This inventory is where we draw our resolutions from. It is this very inventory that we see what is truly important in our life – those we love and our health. We become astutely aware of our greatest asset, good health. For without good health everything else pales in comparison.

We can have all the money in the world, but if we are unable to enjoy it then it’s a waste. Likewise, if we have countless possibilities each day but are unable to take advantage of them because poor health is holding us back then it means nothing. Good health and overall wellness is priceless. Lose it for any amount of time due to an injury or illness and you will know what that means all too well.

At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we understand the value of your greatest asset. We work tirelessly to return every patient we treat back to good health and wellness. We know the value of a team approach. Coordinating care to address the unique needs of each person we see. When you have that road map to take you to your destination you understand peace of mind. You would never take a trip without one. Same with your health. You need a care plan that maps out the steps to your destination of wellness, and DCW does just that. Combining chiropractic, massage, rehabilitation and nutrition to ensure we find that solution you are looking for. Now that’s peace of mind.

 

National Chiropractic Health Month

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Did you know that October is National Chiropractor Month? Each year the month of October is designated to this medical specialty and its countless benefits. There is also a theme selected each year by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), and this year it’s “#PainFreeNation.”

According to a 2011 report by the Institute of Medicine, approximately 100 million Americans are affected by chronic pain, with “an estimated cost to American society of at least $560-$635 billion.” The result of this pain is the overuse of medications such as codeine, Vicodin, oxycodone, and Percocet. However, the problem is that these painkillers mask the problem plus increase the risk of death due to overdose. So, October is dedicated to helping Americans live pain-free without the over-dependence on prescription medications – “#PainFreeNation.”

The field of chiropractic is focused on the wellness of the entire person using a non-drug approach. Chiropractors look beyond the symptoms and work with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to get to the root of the problem. Practices like Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) even take it a step further by incorporating therapeutic massage, rehabilitation, and nutrition into the treatment plan, as well. The trend today is quickly moving in the direction of a conservative, multidisciplinary approach when it comes to the treatment of pain. This couldn’t come at a better time because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had called the abuse of prescription pain medications as an “epidemic.”

In January of this year, a paramount change was made to the standards of care as it related to treating chronic pain. For the first time ever, Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) were included. This change came as the result of The Joint Commission, an independent not-for-profit organization, that accredits and certifies over 20,000 healthcare institutions and programs in the U.S. Since 1951, The Joint Commission has been in existence, ensuring that every hospital and health care facility provides “safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.” This is a huge milestone in the field of chiropractic because society is finally acknowledging the over-reliance on prescription drugs to treat pain.

October is a month that really puts the focus back on you. The trend in healthcare is finally shifting to one that does not simply treat the symptoms, but rather the cause. Digging deeper to give you the best outcomes for a higher quality of life that is ultimately pain-free.

“No Pain, No Gain”

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Watch any pro-athlete. Their bodies move with confidence and grace. There is no hesitation, only forward momentum. They seem to be in a zone where only they exist and the game at hand. The opponent could be anyone. It doesn’t matter, really. To get to that point in their life required a lot of time, effort, discipline, and desire. It meant overcoming countless obstacles – from injuries, restricting their diet, and pushing past the pain. In a nutshell, it meant without the pain and discomfort, there was no gain. Or “no pain, no gain.”

Anything worth having requires much the same drive as the pro-athlete. Whether it be getting that promotion at work, running your first 5K, or loosing 10 pounds. It requires a somewhat painful transition from our contentment and current lifestyle to something very different. It means replacing one way of doing things with another. This change can test our willpower and commitment to ourselves and our new goal. Do we stay late at work to put the finishing touches on our presentation, do we run on the treadmill instead because it’s raining outside, do we decline the tempting offer of dessert after dinner? Those small steps of “pain” take us closer to that big reward of “gain.” We cannot have one without the other, just like that pro-athlete.

When it comes to our health, that same philosophy applies. A sedentary lifestyle, convenience foods, and pharmaceutical solutions require little, if any, effort on our behalf. There is nothing that pushes us out of our comfort zone, no “pain.” So, what do we gain? Well, weight, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, aches, pains, and the list goes on. We have settled on less for ourselves.

Surrounding yourself with others who want a higher quality of life and better health is a great first step. People that are proactive vs reactive with wellness. People like the team at Damron Chiropractic & Wellness. This unique approach, led by a chiropractor and supported by massage therapists and a rehabilitation therapist, jointly moves you towards your goal of better health. Underlying problems are addressed at the root, there are no band-aids. Educating you on both the cause and effect provides a more thorough understanding and awareness. Being proactive means not waiting for a problem to arise, but avoiding it altogether.

Let the pain be the sort that is good for you. Let it bring you to a higher sense of wellness, so you can gain the lifestyle you deserve.

The Lifestyle Game Changer

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People are interesting. We love to procrastinate, even though we know we shouldn’t. We claim to like change, yet resist it. We have a tendency to act like we are immortal, so we do some pretty crazy things especially when we are young. We are aware of what is unhealthy, yet still decide to drink too much, smoke, eat fried foods, cheat ourselves on sleep, or not exercise. Unfortunately, life happens. There’s an event that alters our course. It’s the game changer that causes us to consider doing things a bit differently, to change our lifestyle. A game changer can be:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic pain
  • Migraines
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Cancer

But why do we wait until this point to change our lifestyle? Is it human nature? Is it denial of our own mortality? Whatever the answer, not waiting until we reach that game changer, is the ideal. For the benefits of preventative self-care save us from sometimes years of damage control. At some point in our life, we know that our choices are impacting our health. However, instead of acknowledging that reality, we choose to ignore that inner voice. We reason that we have time, we can change later. Or, “everyone else is doing it, so why can’t I?” This mentality has played a role in our society’s current health crisis – from obesity and type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Yes, everyone else may be doing it too, but is it really worth it?

Ask those who have had a game changer experience and they will tell you it wasn’t worth finding out the hard way. They will tell you to make better lifestyle choices so you can benefit from healthy aging. Being proactive with your health is a lifestyle choice that will reap numerous benefits. The proactive choice of working with a chiropractor is one way to achieve that goal, but not all chiropractors are alike. Experience the Damron Chiropractic (DCW) difference with a team approach to your wellness. Combining chiropractic, massage, and rehabilitation not only increases the effectiveness of your treatment, but also the duration. Because retraining the body will allow it to function as it was meant to.

Avoid the game changers.

A Chiropractic Solution

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Just last Sunday, there was an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer about medics sustaining injuries while “moving heavy victims.” We may not think a paramedic is necessarily in danger when responding to an emergency, but treating a person who struggles with their weight can have a negative impact on the paramedics health. The article noted that “injuries can range from minor — taking a couple of days off work — to career ending and a change in lifestyle.” Not only are those who “serve and protect” put in harms way due to the nature of their profession, but performing the tasks required of their job can have consequences, too.  There are countless job hazards in other professions, as well. But, did you know that there is a trusted solution in treating those injured on the job?

The reality is that even professions that aren’t considered dangerous are still prone to accidents and the physical requirements of a job can cause undo stress on our bodies. The stress alone can create pain, discomfort, and imbalances that can negatively impact our sleep, family life, motivation, appetite, and immune system. With injuries, many times they are tolerable, so we choose to do nothing but wait until it gets better. Dealing with stress can be no different. Have you considered that there just might be a better way? A chiropractic way?

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional that can be there to help you mend those injuries sustained at work, from the minor to the life-changing. The difference is that there is no “band-aid” to hinder proper healing. A chiropractor gets to the core of the problem, identifies it, and provides a course of treatment that addresses the entire person. There is nothing worse than spinning in circles when it comes to your health. The end result is lost time, lost work, and lost peace of mind. A remedy that combines the benefits of chiropractic care, with the support of massage and rehabilitation is anything but a “band-aid.” It is the solution your body needs so it can function as it should.

Make sure that chiropractic care is an integral part of your healthcare team. Because minimizing the time it takes to get back to the job you love and feeling good again is what we want, isn’t it?

 

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