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Trigger Points (Part II)

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Now that you have familiarized yourself with trigger points, let’s look at how they manifest themselves in your body.  In other words, what are the symptoms indicating trigger points and the associated referral pain?  What can be done to help correct the situation?

First, it’s important to note that there are two types of trigger points – active and latent.

  • Active trigger points typically have referral pain and occur due to some injury to the muscle.  This injury can be trauma related, or it can also be the result of repetitive use, poor posture, or nerve irritation.  There is also both pain at rest and the area is tender to the touch.
  • Latent trigger points are more localized, causing a limited range of motion and weakness to the area affected.  It may or may not be painful to the touch.

It is not uncommon that active trigger points become latent, or that latent become active.  Many people may believe that when pain returns after long absence it’s a new injury.  In reality, the problem was only laying dormant and something happened to re-aggravate the same injury.

Symptoms of a trigger point can include:

  • limited range of motion
  • pain
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • loss of coordination
  • buckling of the knees
  • ringing in the ears
  • tingling
  • urinary frequency
  • muscle fatigue
  • sweating
  • tearing of the eyes
  • tension headaches

Fortunately, there are ways to correct the situation and bring the body back into balance.  One is with trigger point massage therapy, which helps to address the knot of constricted muscles that are causing the pain.  Another option is through chiropractic adjustments.  Many times a misalignment in the skeletal system can cause undo stress on certain muscles.  Only by putting things back into alignment can this be remedied.  Ideally, the best course of treatment involves both massage and adjustments, plus strengthening the affected muscles.  Damron Chiropractic & Wellness is unique in that it offers all three therapies under one roof.  Our highly trained team of professionals work in unison to address the needs of every patient that walks through our doors.  Our goal with this approach is to get you out of pain and back to wellness, so you can get back to enjoying your life once again!

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.

Chiropractic Relief for Migraines

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It might come as a surprise, but migraines are a very common disease in the U.S. affecting 36 million people – including children.  This debilitating condition causes not only pain, on one or both sides of the head, but also symptoms like:

  • visual disturbances
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch, and smell
  • tingling or numbness in the extremities or face.

The quality of life for those suffering from migraines is greatly affected, however there is good news!  A Doctor of Chiropractic has been shown to provide much needed relief, all in a relatively short period of time.  For anyone who has experienced a migraine, every second is like an hour, so time is of the essence.

In February of 2000, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) conducted a study to “access the medical efficacy of chiropractic manipulative therapy in the treatment of migraines.”  It was a randomized controlled trial over six months that collected data in three sessions – two months before treatment, two months during treatment, and two months after treatment.  There were 127 participants in this study that were between the ages of 10 and 70 years of age.  Each suffered at least one migraine per month, which is the International Headache Society standard when diagnosing a migraine.  During the treatment phase of the trial, the maximum number of adjustments a participant could receive was 16.  The results at the conclusion were overwhelmingly positive:

  • There was a statistically significant improvement in migraine frequency duration.
  • There was an obvious reduction in a debilitating symptoms due to a migraine.
  • With less migraines there was less need for medication.
  • 22% of the participants reported more than a 90% reduction of migraines during the two months of treatment.
  • 50% reported a significant improvement in the “morbidity” of each episode.

This is fantastic news to those who suffer from chronic migraines.  There is now hope that a person can reclaim their quality of life once again.  The key is finding a reputable Chiropractor that can alleviate the duration, frequency, and severity of migraines in a way that is non-invasive and without pharmaceuticals.

 

What Massage Is Right for You?

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Did you know that there’s more to a massage than meets the eye?  The term massage has become somewhat generic, much like the word kleenex.  Kleenex is actually a brand of tissue, but we tend to use it interchangeably with the word tissue.  To the consumer, a Kleenex is a kleenex, no matter what the brand.  However, we would be greatly mistaken if we believed that all massages were alike or that a massage is designed to simply reduce stress.  The reality is far from that.  So, here’s how to determine what type massage is right for you.

There are actually three different categories of massages:

  • Acupressure
  • Swedish Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage

Acupressure focuses specifically on pressure points throughout the body and how energy moves through it.  Swedish Massage is centered around improving circulation of both the blood and lymph plus relaxing more superficial muscles.  Deep Tissue Massage goes beyond the superficial muscles to the connective tissue, with the goal to improve body movement.

Swedish Massage is the most common.  It involves “soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes on topmost layers of muscles,” according to WedMD.  It also includes joint movement with stretching and bending, all with the assistance of the massage therapist.  Other therapies within this category include medical massage, sports therapy, aromatherapy, manual lymphatic drainage, hydrotherapy, and body wraps.

Deep Tissue Massage, on the other hand, works specifically with the connective tissue that supports and binds the muscles, nerves, organs, and bones to one another.  It’s the “glue” that keeps our body together. It is used to help treat a variety of physical ailments:

  • Chronic Pain – Studies have shown that deep tissue massage is more effective and more affordable than traditional medical remedies.  Not only does it loosen the tight muscles surrounding the affected area but it also improves blood circulation which reduces the inflammation causing the chronic pain.
  • Blood Pressure – Reducing stress and tension with this type of massage helps to lower a person’s blood pressure and help increase the body’s production of the happy hormone, serotonin.
  • Scar Tissue – Surgery and injury can lead to a build up of scar tissue in the body.  This therapy focuses on improving the mobility and flexibility of the affected areas which in turn improves circulation and drainage of the lymphatic system.  Over time, this can completely break down the scar tissue which causes chronic pain and stiffness.
  • Injured Muscles – Relaxed muscles promote healing.  Working with a massage therapist using this technique helps to remove the toxins lodged in the injured muscle.
  • Stress Relief – This is especially effective for those suffering from chronic stress.  Subjecting our body to daily stress can be debilitating.  Offsetting the negative impact of stress with deep tissue massage acts as preventative maintenance, allowing our body to recover and heal.

With 80 different massage therapies available today, it’s important to know what massage is the best for you and your healthcare needs.

Benefits of Stretching

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Most of us stretch our bodies at various times during the day – when we wake up in the morning, have been sitting in the same position for a while, before we head out for a run – but did you know that stretching can, and should, do much more than that?  That it has the ability to help our body function more optimally?  Let’s start with what happens to our bodies when we don’t stretch.

As we age the muscles in our body naturally begin to tighten.  This tightening causes problems with the range of motion in our joints.  This limitation can hamper our life because normal routines become more difficult to accomplish, remaining active becomes more difficult, and our susceptibility to injury increases. Stretching can reverse this situation and keep our muscles loose and limber.  Here are some of the benefits to incorporating stretching into our daily lives:

  • Reduced muscle tension.
  • Increased flexibility and range of motion in the joints.
  • Enhanced muscular coordination.
  • Increased blood circulation.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Helps ensure correct posture.
  • Reduces muscle soreness.
  • Helps speed recovery from muscle and joint injuries.
  • Reduced stress.

Committing time every day to stretching the muscles in your body that give you the mobility you love is essential.  The good news is that the time commitment is small.  10-15 minutes is all it takes to give your muscles what they need.  But where do you begin?

  • Stretching should be done when your muscles are warm.  Begin by doing some low-impact cardio like walking, jogging, or biking for a few minutes to get the blood pumping.
  • You don’t need to stretch the entire body to see and feel the benefits.  Start with the areas that feel the most tight.  Focus your stretching efforts there first and gradually add other areas to your routine.
  • Try to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds and up to 60 seconds depending on how tight the muscle feels.
  • Don’t bounce as you stretch as it may cause small tearing in your muscles.
  • Stretching should not cause pain.  If you feel pain you have pushed it too far.
  • Breathe deeply while stretching.
  • Be sure to stretch BOTH sides of your body.
  • It’s always best to stretch both before and after your physical activity to keep the muscles healthy.

Stretching is one of the best ways you can take care of the body you have.  Don’t let another day slip by without making stretching a priority in your daily routine.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

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Why would stimulating the muscle with an electric current be a good thing?  While it may sound like something from an old Frankenstein movie, Electrical Muscle Stimulation is actually a painless therapy given when pain is a problem.

There are times when our muscles become inflamed or strained either due to injury or overuse.  When this occurs, the use of electrical muscle stimulation therapy can be utilized with the purpose of reducing muscle spasms, tightness, and pain through the use of a mild electrical current.  This in turn relaxes the muscle so that healing can truly begin.

We have over 600 voluntary muscles in our body that work together to control even the simplest of movements.  These muscles work in conjunction with both the joints and bones to provide motion.  If there is a misalignment within this network then a problem occurs in the form of a muscle spasm the nerve and the muscle have been disrupted.  If this condition is left untreated, chronic pain can become permanent.  Fortunately, a Doctor of Chiropractic is trained on the use of electrical muscle stimulation to address this condition.

There are two types of this therapy, one that is performed within the office and the other that is portable, and both produce a mild heat.  The former is used to prevent or reduce muscle atrophy, which is the weakening or loss of muscle tone usually experienced after surgery or injury.  It also helps by

  • increasing blood flow to the muscles,
  • increasing muscle strength,
  • enhancing muscle endurance,
  • increasing range of motion, and
  • relieving muscle pain.

The portable treatment is given through a device called a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit, or  TENS.  This option allows the patient to administer pain relief at home through small electrical pulses across the skin and along the nerve strands.  These pulses help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain because it stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killers.  The patient simply attaches the small pads on the affected area and turns the TENS on to the prescribed level.

In both cases the prescribed treatment is typically a 10-15 minute session, the length of time depending on how acute the injury is.  Many times a single treatment has a significant impact on lowering or eliminating the pain. From that point on treatment is only as needed, meaning if a patient brings a TENS unit home they have the ability to administer the stimulation if the pain returns.

The foundation to your wellness as you age is understanding that you have options.  Knowing what they are helps you to get back to high quality living sooner versus later.  Keep yourself informed.

 

Reasons to Eliminate Prescription Meds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arthritis

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Arthritis use to be a word associated with the elderly.  We knew it was painful because of the reaction the person made when moving.  Unfortunately, arthritis is one of those health problems that can affect all ages.  In fact, according to the CDC, an estimated 52.5 million adults suffer from arthritis and 1 in 250 children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed.  But what is arthritis?  What causes it?  And what can be done to minimize symptoms so one can live an active, pain-free life?

Another word for arthritis is inflammation, specifically joint inflammation.  The knee is the most common spot for arthritis to develop but it can also occur is other parts of the body as well:

  • Spine
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Shoulders
  • Elbows
  • Wrists
  • Hands
  • Fingers
  • Hips
  • Ankles
  • Heels
  • Toes

In order to identify the causes, it’s important to understand the two main forms of arthritis – Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid.  Osteoarthritis is caused by the inflammation, breakdown, and the loss of cartilage in the joints.  It is the most common type of arthritis that progresses over time and is said by many – “has no cure.”  However, preventative steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence, or if you already suffer from it, steps can be taken to halt its progression.  Typically it affects people over the age of 40, especially women, but it can also develop in younger people, too, which is known as juvenile arthritis. The causes can be linked to poor diet, obesity, a prior injury or joint condition, muscular imbalance over time, family history, age, and your sex.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different in that it is an autoimmune disease which means the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint, also known as synovial membrane, causing it to become inflamed and swollen.  As the disease progresses it can cause painful deformity and immobility in an individual. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “nearly three times as many women have the disease as men.”  The risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include a family history, age, and being a woman.  The reason it affects more women is due to a lower percentage of muscle mass, which continues to decline later in life, especially during and after childbirth and menopause.

The symptoms of both types of arthritis include stiffness, pain, redness, swelling, and decreased range of motion which can significantly affect quality of life.  And while there is no known cure, there are many steps a person can take to minimize symptoms:

  • Strength training
  • Weight loss
  • Exercise
  • Heating pads or ice packs
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
  • Yoga or Tai Chi
  • Massage therapy

Life may throw us many curve balls.  We simply course-correct and continue on our journey living our best life – today.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

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Pain does not discriminate, we all fall victim to it at some point in our life.  Until that point happens, we tend to live in a state of ignorance, because learning about pain is irrelevant to our life.  Why know about something that does not affect us?  Well, knowledge is not only power, it is also a form of preventative maintenance.  It’s like telling your child not to touch the hot stove top because they will get burned.  We do this to prevent a problem in the future.  We give our child the knowledge (or the power) to make a wise decision when entering the kitchen and someone is cooking – don’t touch the stove top!  As we get older, we should not stop there.  Educating ourselves on various health issues and performing preventative maintenance helps us to live in wellness.  We then have the power to know what to do when a situation, like pain, presents itself rather than living with it.  We can get back to good health because we have the knowledge to do something about it.

Sciatica or sciatic pain is something many of us have heard of, yet still may not fully understand.  The purpose of this post is to shed more light on this common source of pain, especially in older adults, so action can be taken sooner versus later.  The sciatic nerve is the major nerve extending from the lower end of the spinal cord down the back of the thigh, and dividing above the knee joint, where it then supplies the entire area of the lower leg, ankle and foot.   It is the largest nerve in the human body.  But what can affect the sciatic nerve and cause pain:

  • A Lumbar Herniated Disc
  • Degenerative Disc Disease (breakdown of the discs which act as cushions between the vertebrae)
  • Isthmic Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebrae slips over another)
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back)
  • Piriformis Syndrome
  • Sacroiliac Joint Disfunction (improper movement of the joints at the bottom of the spine that connect the sacrum to the pelvis)
  • Pregnancy

In addition to pain, other symptoms can present themselves if the sciatic nerve is affected like tingling, numbness, pressure, muscle spasms or cramping anywhere in the leg, and a prickly sensation that radiates down the leg.  Leg or foot weakness can also occur as well as a burning sensation.  Some may confuse pain, tingling, numbness, etc. of the hip, leg, knee, or foot pain coming from those respective areas.  In actuality, it is possible that it is originating from pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve in the low back.  The good news is that sciatic nerve pain can be corrected.  A Doctor of Chiropractic can treat with decompression therapy, spinal adjustments,  transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), deep tissue massage, myofascial release techniques, and stretching.

You do not need to live with sciatic nerve pain.  And now that you know what it feels like and what causes it, you can take the necessary steps to correct it if it should it ever become an unwelcome guest in your life.

Chronic Pain

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According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), chronic pain is defined as “any pain lasting more than 12 weeks.”  It affects 100 million people and can range from mild, excruciating, episodic or continuous, and simply be an inconvenience or totally incapacitate a person.  The effects of chronic pain can take both a physical and an emotional toll.

But where does chronic pain come from?  What causes it?  Some of the most common sources are:

  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Injury
  • Backaches
  • Tendinitis
  • Sinuses
  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Chronic pain can weigh heavily on a person emotionally, causing anxiety, depression, anger, and stress.  Studies indicate a correlation between emotional well being and the body’s ability to fight infection.  Individuals who suffer from chronic pain are in a relentless cycle from which it is difficult to emerge from.

Fortunately, there are options for sufferers of chronic pain, and surprisingly, many of these options are more holistic and proactive than traditional medicinal remedies.  The goal is to uncover and address the source of the problem versus simply masking it.  Here are a few areas to explore if you, or someone you know, is suffering from chronic pain:

  • Anti-inflammatory plants and herbs – turmeric, green tea, ginger, rosemary, and willow bark
  • Fish oil- omega-3s for headaches, back pain, some
  • Vitamin D increase
  • Exercise – releasing endorphins through physical activity can provide pain relief as endorphins are the body’s natural pain reliever
  • Stretching – through massage or other exercises
  • Meditation
  • Spinal Decompression – through Chiropractic care
  • Spinal Manipulation

It’s important that the underlying cause of the pain is correctly identified so that the proper course of treatment can be prescribed.  A Chiropractor can work with both a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Rehabilitation Specialist to develop a plan to help a person get back to a pain-free life once again.  And while it might take some time to get there, it will be worth every step.

You can start today on your journey to wellness.  Don’t let pain rob you of one more moment.

 

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