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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?

 

Choosing Your Chiropractor

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

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

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

But what other services does a chiropractor provide?

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Trigger Points (Part I)

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Did you know that there are over 400 muscles in your body?  Every day they work in unison, just like the musicians in an orchestra, giving our body the gift of motion.  From the simplest movement to the most complex, each muscle is connected.  When something goes wrong, as with an injury or surgery, the results are instantaneous and obvious.  Our body no longer exhibits fluid movement, flexibility, or the range that it did.  We experience pain and discomfort.  But, it does not require a significant injury or surgery for our muscles to encounter dysfunction.  Everyday activities can lead to problems that manifest itself as trigger points.

Trigger points is a term that massage therapists, chiropractors, those in rehabilitation and physical therapy will use to identify areas of pain or tenderness on a patient they are working with.  Underneath our skin, every muscle, organ, tendon, nerve, and blood vessel is covered by fascia.  Fascia is the thin sheath of fibrous tissue that  holds everything in place within us.  Myofascia is the fascia that covers the muscles. Because we rely so much on our muscles every day, they are prone to overuse and stress.  When this happens, the myofascia can tear and then adhere together preventing the muscles from working as they should.  This, in turn, causes the “knots” you feel in areas like your neck and shoulders which massage therapists, chiropractors, and rehabilitation specialists call – trigger points.

In reality, trigger points have a domino effect on our body’s ability to function because it leads to an increase in muscle stiffness and tenderness and a decrease in range of motion.  Also, there is something called referral pain.  This is the result of the discomfort radiating from the adhesion or trigger point.  This can happen in the area with the knot or another area of the body altogether.  Interestingly, a vast majority of the time the pain felt is actually in a different location than what is triggering it.  A great example of this referral pain is with sciatica (shooting pain in the buttocks and legs).  The pain a person feels is not with the sciatic nerve, but rather from the gluteal area.  The gluteal area is triggering the referral pain which is felt shooting down the buttocks and legs.

Stay tuned for Part II on both the symptoms and treatment for trigger points.

How to Keep Your Brain Healthy

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In a recent edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer, there was a great article on keeping our brains healthy as we age.  The article was based on a report from the Institute of Medicine on “cognitive aging,” which is the “changes in memory, thinking speed, decision-making, problem-solving and learning that most people notice as they age.”

There were essentially three pieces of advice from the expert panel that published this report:

  • Get more exercise
  • Control your risks for cardiovascular disease
  • Be aware of medical conditions and medications that can impair your thinking

Exercising throughout your life is important, but the older you get the the studies indicate an improvement in thinking tests, especially in middle-aged and older adults.  Don’t let excuses prevent you from starting today, even if it’s the smallest of steps.  A healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination.

Eating a balanced diet of nutritious food is key to maintaining a healthy weight.  This plays a significant role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.  Not smoking is another major factor in controlling your risks for cardiovascular disease.  Being acutely aware of what you eat and how you live will help to keep your aging brain healthy.

Did you know that conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea contribute to cognitive decline? And that certain medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and some sedating antihistamines have been linked to this decline as well?  Many of the chronic conditions we face today are simply the result of a poor diet and lack of exercise.  We can reverse this trend by making better choices for ourselves.  Maintaining brain health as we age is very important based on a recent survey that was conducted by the AARP.  93% of the respondents stated that brain health was “very or extremely important” but, ironically, “few knew how to protect it.”

The answer is simple, have an active lifestyle and eat a nutrient rich diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.  Many times it’s that first step that is the hardest, because we’re not sure where to start.  That is when a practice like Damron Chiropractic & Wellness is ideal.  Offering you the resources to take that first step, in an environment that addresses the entire body through not only chiropractic care, but massage therapy, rehabilitation services, and personal training.  Working together we can ensure a proper foundation is in place for long-term health and wellness – especially for your brain.

 

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.

 

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.

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