Damron Chiropractic & Wellness

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Range of Motion

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“The range, measured in degrees of a circle, through which a joint can be extended or flexed.”

Everyone has a different range of motion for any given joint.  Take for example an Olympic gymnast.  Watching this Champion compete leaves you in awe of her extreme flexibility.  Someone without that level of training can appear quite limited in comparison with their range of motion. In reality, it is completely within that person’s normal range.

As we age, life circumstances have a tendency to affect our bodies, in ways that can significantly limit our mobility and overall movement.  But what exactly are these life circumstances that can affect our range of motion as we age?

  • Our overall flexibility and motion can be affected by muscle or fat mass.  An overabundance of either can limit how far we can extend an arm or leg, or even how far we can bend over to touch our toes.
  • The pain caused by injury will impact range of motion.  When the body experiences pain the muscles surrounding the injury/pain will contract reflexively to prevent further injury.  Examples include sprains, bruises, and dislocation.
  • When our body is afflicted by disease, like arthritis or bursitis, the joints are affected causing pain and, once again, a limited range of motion.
  • If muscles are not moved or stretched regularly they can become stiff and lack extensibility, which is flexibility and elasticity.  That is why it is recommended that you stretch properly before engaging in sports or certain exercises like jogging.
  • Scar tissue from surgery or injury can limit the movement of joints due to the loss of elasticity in the affected tissue.

Fortunately the body is an amazing machine that, if given the proper care, can rehabilitate itself.  While many of us will never be that Olympic gymnast, or any gymnast for that matter, we can achieve the ideal range of motion for our age and body type.  We needn’t limit ourselves due to contentment, ignorance, fear, or pain.  Working with the right team of healthcare professionals – like a chiropractor, massage therapist, and rehabilitation specialist – will help you work you way back to optimal motion and flexibility, so you can stay there.

Never settle for anything less.

What Do Symptoms Really Tell You?

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“Experience Life,” a magazine published by Lifetime Fitness, is always full of informative articles on achieving optimal health and lifelong wellness.  In the most recent addition (January/February 2015), an article by Pilar Gerasimo, focused on minimizing symptom suppression in ways that support living a healthy life with little or no medical intervention.  There are several highlights from that feature piece that can help you to achieve your wellness goals.

In 2013, the Mayo Clinic published a report that said almost “70% of Americans are on at least one prescription drug, more than half take two, and 20% take five or more.”  The most common prescription drugs taken are used to treat depression, pain, acid reflux, infections, plus high cholesterol and blood pressure.  Interestingly, the reason these medications are prescribed to treat a condition that is dependent many times on a person’s lifestyle, and in no way addresses the root cause of their problem.

Medications mask the real problem, giving only temporary relief.  Like a revolving door, as symptoms present themselves medication is taken, then life continues on until, once again, the symptom presents itself.

The author, Pilar, goes on to say “We have been taught to think of a great many maladies (from dry eyes to social anxiety) as ‘diseases.'”  She acknowledges that this school of thinking brought to us by the pharmaceutical industry that makes a living helping us get “better.”

The article equated how we should handle our health problems with the way we handle burning something in the oven.  When the smoke alarm in our home goes off, we do everything we can to remedy the situation and stop the noise.  We would consider what went wrong in causing our dinner to burn, noting how to prevent it from happening the next time.  In the ideal world, we’d like to think that this is how we would handle our health problems that arise, but all too often that is not the case.  We are too quick to slap on a bandaid and carry on as we had been, knowing deep down that the problem still exists and future alarms of a burnt dinner will inevitably happen.

The good news is that there are ways you can change the outcome for the better:

  • Understand how resourceful your body really is in how it manifests symptoms, typically beginning with minor symptoms like fatigue or discomfort.  Listening to your body for the onset of symptoms can alleviate the impact of more serious ones later and allow the body to heal itself.
  • Recognize the connection between the different parts of your body.  In other words, a symptom in one place can indicate a problem in another.
  • Be your own advocate and always ask “why.”  Ask until you truly understand what is happening to you and what you can do about it.
  • Know the ins and outs of the medications you are currently taking and don’t assume anything.  Learn all the side-effects, including how they might affect your goal lifestyle of health and wellness.

Be your own advocate and start listening to you!

Decompressing Spinal Compression

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The spine acts like a load bearing wall in a home, designed to support and distribute the weight of what it holds.  It also has the force of gravity bearing down on it, too – year after year.  If we couple that with our constant motion, performing our daily routines and exercises, it’s no wonder that our spine can eventually weaken and cause problems for us.

The spine is made up of vertebral discs that act as shock absorbers.  These discs are made up of two parts, a hard outer surface and a softer inner portion, which tends to resemble a jelly donut of all things. At birth, 80% of the disc is composed of water.  This hydration ensures that the spinal discs can function as they should.  However, we all know that life happens, and despite our best efforts staying well hydrated and accident-free isn’t always reality.  Over time, as the discs lose water they become stiffer, which is a catalyst for disc degeneration.  Disc degeneration limits the spines ability to adjust to compression from the weight it carries, affecting movement of our body.  In time, this can cause the spine to compress and squeeze the discs closer together, increasing the incidence of pain from either a bulging disc or a pinched nerve.

An effective, non-invasive way to treat this condition is through decompression.  Spinal Decompression Therapy is a treatment that relieves the pressure on the nerves that are being pinched, or compressed, and causing pain.  The treatment involves a person laying on a traction table and stretching the spine. This stretching, which alleviates the pain because the pressure is removed, allows the disc to begin the process of rehydrating and healing.  To be truly effective, an individual will have the therapy three times per week over the course of two to four weeks, with each session lasting approximately fifteen minutes.

It’s remarkable what the body can do if given the resources it needs to function as it should.

 

Whiplash

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Not a day goes by that we don’t see someone involved in a car accident.  It could be something as minor as a parking lot mishap to a serious multi-car pile up on an expressway.  Motor vehicles, and the mechanisms inside it are designed to keep us safe from injury.  While we are fortunate to benefit from these lifesaving measures, there is still a price we pay for being involved in a car accident.

The impact of one vehicle hitting another is absorbed by not only the car itself, but by those who happen to be inside of it, regardless of the speed the car is traveling.  The person inside the vehicle is also thrust forward, backward, or side to side – especially their head which is not restrained by a seatbelt like the torso. This sudden, jarring motion, known as whiplash, causes havoc on the muscles and tendons in the neck as well as the rest of the body.

So how do you know you suffer from whiplash, especially after a minor car collision?  Here are some of the symptoms to look for…and remember, some may feel these issues immediately following an accident, while others may not feel the effects for days or weeks afterwards.

  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Arm pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Tenderness

Left untreated, the effects of whiplash can cause long-term pain.  A Doctor of Chiropractic is specialized in the care of the musculoskeletal and the nervous systems, which a car accident tends to disrupt.

Scheduling a visit with a chiropractor at the onset of any of the above symptoms will help to heal the damage done to the body, minimize pain and discomfort, and prevent additional trauma.  In addition to spinal adjustments, your doctor will prescribe an exercise or stretching program, rehabilitation, and massage.  Listening to your body, yet remaining active, is key to recovery.  Your body will tell you if you’ve pushed it too far after suffering from whiplash.  It’s important, though, that you don’t let the pain immobilize you.

Building your strength every day will bring you back to wellness.

 

The First Visit to Damron Chiropractic

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I wanted to experience firsthand what it was like to be a patient at the practice for which I work.  I believe it’s important to see things through the patient’s (customer’s) eyes to minimize assumptions and feel the level of value that is received.  All to often organizations neglect to do this only find out too late that quality is slipping, customer’s needs are not being met, and business has been lost to the competition.  Proactive businesses take the time to organize surveys, reward referrals, employ “secret shoppers,” and actively solicit feedback from vendors, referral sources, and their employees.  So I decided to become the patient.

Upon entering Damron Chiropractic and Wellness, I was warmly greeted by those at the front desk and given a brief survey of my current health.  It included questions about my medical history, any pain I was experiencing, plus any concerns I had.  Within minutes I was taken back to the X-ray room where images were taken of my neck, back, and hips by a team member that was both highly professional and efficient.   After reviewing my X-rays, Dr. Damron met with me to go over his initial findings.

Forty five years of living had apparently caught up with me.  I had several alignment issues, in addition to having one leg that was 10 millimeters shorter than the other causing an imbalance.   Needless to say, I was dumbfounded that I could have things going on within my body that I wasn’t even aware of. Things that, in time, would eventually cause my overall well-being to be affected.  For example, having one leg longer than the other was causing my body structure to shift – my hips were slanted one way, my upper torso the opposite way to compensate for the lower half, and my neck and head leaning the other direction of my upper torso.  My body was a zig-zag, and if not addressed properly, my “golden years” will include a misshapen body full of aches and pains.

Once I was given a thorough overview of my results, I laid on an adjusting table, which is what a chiropractor uses to do adjustments.  Each adjustment to my hips, lower back, and neck was met with an audible “popping” that did not cause any pain or discomfort.  I was told that I may feel a little sore, almost like after a work out, and to drink plenty of water.  The soreness would be a result of the muscles around my spine being manipulated, but in 24 hours the soreness would subside and, if needed, I could ice the area.  At the end of my visit I was asked to set up a follow up appointment to review a comprehensive plan to get me back to wellness.

The bottom-line for Dr. Damron is that for long-term health and wellness to be successful, two things are essential – control and partnership. Each of his person should take control of their health but a partnership is also formed between himself, his team, and the individual for optimal results.

I’m happy to report that while I did get sore in my neck area it was completely resolved by the following morning.

Stay tuned for an update on my follow up visit to Damron Chiropractic and Wellness in the next blog post.

The Impact of Technology On Our Youth

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Pain and discomfort does not discriminate, both young and old can suffer from it.  The most troubling is pain that our youth experience because we think “They’re too young for that.”  But the reality tells us otherwise.

Advances in technology has changed how schools educate and how we communicate. While this brings countless benefits it also has a ripple effect in that it causes us to remain in the same position for long periods of time whether working on a tablet or laptop in the classroom or engaging on social media.  It’s no wonder that our youngest generation suffers from chronic back pain, hunching over all that technology each and every day.  Think about it, doing anything for extended periods of time, maintaining the same position with our bodies will inevitably create tension and discomfort.  Our bodies simply were not designed to function in that way.

While we’d like to convince our kids to drop the phones and computers, this simply isn’t a reality.  In fact, it’s a lost cause because dropping the technology means giving up communicating with their friends, retrieving homework assignments, preparing class projects, and so on.  So what do we do to ensure their bodies are not compromised due to excessive use?
  • Keeping them aware of what doesn’t feel “right”
  • Being cognizant of what feels normal and what does not
  • Taking frequent breaks
  • Stretching
  • Changing positions
  • Addressing pain or discomfort if it persists

While it might be easy to take two ibuprofens and call it a day, it’s actually more like putting blinders on – if you can’t see it (or feel it) the problem has been solved, right?  Unfortunately this logic leads you back down the same road again and again.  There are times when addressing the problem head on provides the best solution for long-term success.  This could mean massage therapy, strength training, stretching exercises, or chiropractic care.  Devising a plan that keeps our bodies working as they should allows us to continue meeting the demands of today’s society, technology and all.  Having no plan is like walking around in the dark.  Sooner or later you’re going to hit something and it’s going to hurt.

The Stress “Norm”

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It’s difficult to slow down and “smell the roses” in a society that is conditioned to believe it’s normal to be busy, overscheduled, and that we can have it all – and at the same time.  While this may be true, it does come at a price.  Initially, we may not even realize that we are paying anything at all for our hectic lifestyles.  In fact, when everyone else is doing it too, it appears that we’re on the right track and destined for success whether it’s with our professional, personal, or family life.   Unfortunately, there comes a time when we see, and feel, what it cost us to live that life.

Stress is not necessarily bad for us.  There are times when stress can help elevate our game during an interview or important presentation, improve our performance, and help us survive danger.  Stress releases chemicals that create more energy and strength, plus keep us sharp and effective.  However, continual stress can take a negative toll on us, especially if we are not fully aware of it.

Every day we experience stress but many times that stress is barely palpable.  It may ebb and flow depending on the time of day, peaking during the rush to work, multi-tasking to get the dinner prepared and the kids homework completed, or meeting that project deadline by 4pm.  One moment of stress isn’t harmful, but if we look at our lives as an hourglass, where each grain of sand represents a stress, it quickly adds up.  Before we know it, our baseline for stress becomes higher because we have become accustomed to that new norm.  Our normal now is stress, we don’t know or feel any different.  We have conditioned ourselves quite well.

The problem with extended periods of stress is the effect it has on our bodies and therefore our quality of life.   The effects can be emotional, physical, and chemical.  Symptoms of prolonged stress include:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle Tension and Contraction
  • Upset Stomach
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Chest Pain
  • Sleeping Problems
  • Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding
  • Moodiness and Short Temper
  • Frequent infections, colds

Being aware of the signs of stress is the first step towards improvement.  Then next is taking steps to identify the stressor(s) and addressing the impact it is causing on our body.  While there are many things we can do to recalibrate and improve things like:

  • Removing or minimizing exposure to the stressor
  • Meditation
  • Exercise
  • Improved sleep
  • Better nutrition

There are times though when seeking professional care is needed to help alleviate the problems caused by stress.   A Chiropractor can deliver that solution with their highly specialized training of the spine and the nervous system.  Providing adjustments releases tension that allows the body to slowly return to the optimal balanced and relaxed state.  It also improves blood circulation and reduces spinal nerve irritation that begins the process of healing.  There are also other therapies that a Chiropractor can recommend like massage therapy, relaxation techniques, and nutritional supplements.

While stress might be a permanent fixture in all of our lives, living with its repercussions doesn’t have to be.

 

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