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Holistic Heath Care Benefits

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There is a lot of averages out there:

  • body temperature
  • weight based on height
  • blood pressure
  • menstrual cycle length
  • hours of sleep
  • hours of physical activity per week

But who is really average? If we are average then does that mean we are all the same? Would that mean each disease or condition is exactly like that of another person so diagnosis and treatment should be the same? Yet, that is exactly what we are led to believe. The truth is that we are each uniquely different, with our own set of averages. Our normal may be a lower blood pressure than another. Or we may require less sleep than someone else. For a woman, her cycle could be 32 days, not 28 as modern medicine suggests.

If we prescribe to the idea of averages, then we may believe there is something wrong with us if we aren’t. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Holistic medicine, what is practiced by a chiropractor, approaches diseases and chronic conditions from a different perspective. What manifests as a symptom, is really the end result of several factors. These factors are what needs to be identified, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. For example, if a person is suffering from chronic migraines, a prescription for pain only fixes the pain – temporarily. What causes the migraine in the first place has yet to be identified.

Wellness is a state of being. One where each system of the body is working in harmony with the others, as it was intended. To a Doctor of Chiropractic, the migraine only provides a clue as to what the source is. By working with the patient to uncover their personal health history, lifestyle factors, and other unrelated symptoms, the root cause is found. There are no averages, only unique factors.

There are trends in medicine today that breakaway from the law of average such as in cancer treatment. Doctors in this field recognize that each patient has a unique diagnosis, with different treatment responses. This approach has increased the number of people and the years of survivorship tremendously, especially within certain cancer types. Wellness doesn’t need to wait for a cancer diagnosis for you to benefit from a holistic approach to your health.

Can Chiropractors Treat Depression?

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Mental illness is a phrase that relates to any number of conditions that affect mood, thinking and behavior. These conditions can range from depression and anxiety to obsessive compulsiveness and autism. Today, what is most alarming, is the significant increase in people suffering from mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety. Yet, the most troubling is the increase among our youth. A recent article in Dynamic Chiropractic (May 2017) titled “Is It Time to Rethink Mental Illness? (Pt.1)” challenged society’s current approach to treating this trend.

Current remedies involve a doctor’s prescription intended to correct the chemical imbalance associated with a particular mental illness. The author of this article, Dr. Timothy Perenich, cited research that revealed this treatment to be ineffective. In other words, this research questions the chemical imbalance theory most doctors rely on. However, if this theory was true, “the drugs given to correct the imbalance should demonstrate clear efficacy.” (p.28) The author continued by stating, “In fact, evidence shows not only are these drugs largely ineffective, but they’re also dangerous.”

Unlike other diseases such as cancer and diabetes, many mental illnesses have no clear causes. Furthermore, they cannot be identified by common tests like an MRI or blood test. A diagnosis is actually an opinion. Dr. Perenich highlighted a direct correlation between the increase in diagnosed mental illnesses and the drugs available to treat them. The question we need to ask ourselves is who benefits? It definitely is not the patient looking for help.

Dr. Perenich is a Doctor of Chiropractic. His article challenges us to think about mental illness differently. That, perhaps, more can be done to treat a person suffering from depression or anxiety rather than with drugs. This is especially true with our youth. The side effects alone are enough to encourage a parent to look elsewhere for help. Some drugs can double the risk of suicide. Even the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded in 2010 that the most commonly prescribes drugs are not an effective treatment for depression.

So, what does this doctor suggest? Looking at the patient as a whole, in addition to taking all factors into consideration to find the hidden source of the depression symptom. Recent studies are showing that inflammation is linked to depression. This is associated with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and celiac. The field of chiropractic relies on a holistic approach. Looking at ALL factors that may contribute to a symptom like depression. Chiropractic care does not utilize any prescription medications to remedy a condition. Rather, a chiropractor relies on natural healing through herbs and nutrients, spinal adjustments, rehabilitation, and medical massage.

The current approach our society is taking is not working. Seems like looking through a different lens may be all it takes to find a solution.

Pain Relief

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In a quest to find pain relief, many people will try just about anything. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, 100 million American suffer from chronic pain. This number is staggering as compared to cancer survivors which affects 11.9 million Americans. New products arrive on the market every day designed to provide pain relief and this industry is expected to double by 2023. Products are advertised are all forms of media, promising results. Yet, if you look at the product reviews, you will find many users that are unsatisfied and still seeking pain relief.

Sometimes the solutions we are looking for are right under our noses. However, because of misconceptions or lack of knowledge we don’t see it, especially if we are living in pain. We want the pain to stop as fast as possible, so we gravitate what appears to be known and true. Does the fact that a product is advertised in a magazine or on television make it the answer we are looking for? Is the credibility of the product higher in our minds because it has been showcased to us? Should we skip doing our own research because we take the advertisements at face value?

Our most treasured asset is our health. Without it, we have nothing. Living in pain is not something anyone wants to do, but life happens. When it does, remember that there is no “magic bullet” that will make the pain go away forever. Yes, there are medications to take to dull the pain, or temporarily relieve it, but it is still there. What we really want is to find out what is causing it and stop it. Preferably without causing any more additional pain like with surgery, right?

An often overlooked solution lies within chiropractic care. There is a lot of misconceptions that permeate our society regarding this holistic approach to good health. Rarely do you see commercials about chiropractic, let alone other advertising. Why? Because advertising cost a lot of money. Does the fact that something is not advertised make it less credible or not true? No, it doesn’t.

Invest in your health. Don’t wait for the pain to find you first. You can save a lot of money by not seeking a solution from what appears to be the most visible. Do your own research both online and on social media. Save yourself from the mistakes that come with assumptions. There are solutions to be found with a chiropractor. Solutions that are safe, holistic, and proven. But most of all, solutions that address the cause of the pain. Not just the symptom of pain.

Vertigo

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Remember going to the playground as a kid and jumping on one of those spinning wheels with your friends? You know the one. It was metal with handlebars  you would hold on to as you ran beside the wheel. Making the wheel spin faster and faster until you would all jump on and hold on for dear life. The world would be spinning around you until the wheel slowed to a stop. Getting off the wheel was the most amusing part because no one could walk a straight line without falling over from being dizzy. That is a temporary case of vertigo. Or the spinning one feels even though nothing is moving.

Unfortunately, vertigo is something that many people suffer from, but not from the rides on a playground. The sensation of spinning or dizziness associated with it can plague an individual for minutes, hours, or even days. Vertigo is not a medical condition but rather a symptom of an underlying problem from one of two causes:

  • A disturbance in the balance organs of the inner ear (peripheral).
  • Or, a disturbance in parts of the brain or sensory nerve pathways (central).

In both cases, there are other symptoms that can manifest themselves in addition to the spinning sensation a person might feel such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

What many people do not realize is that chiropractic adjustments are effective at eliminating the symptoms of vertigo. It can be an interference in the nerves of the spine or the result of a common cold. The bottom-line is that it is important to remember that treating a symptom, like vertigo, does not address the true problem. So, medications and surgery are only band-aids.

There can be an end to a person’s suffering. They no longer need to settle for a life where a symptom like vertigo is accepted. Seek the care of a chiropractor and stop the spinning once and for all.

Phase 2 – Rehabilitation

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rehab2

The end of pain can create a sense of disillusionment. The person who was suffering from pain now feels immense relief. This feeling of relief can lead the person to mistakenly believe that the absence of pain means the cause of the pain has been eliminated. The truth is that that person has entered the second phase of returning to wellness. Phase 2 is rehabilitation. This stage requires a conscientious effort on behalf of the patient to strengthen their body to restore proper functioning and to reduce the chance of their pain returning.

As indicated in the prior post, phase 1 involves pain relief – period. The person in pain made a decision to seek help, whether is was the result of an accident or a series of life choices that lead to the pain. Sometimes in the chiropractic field, the patient decides to discontinue care once the severity of the pain is gone. Unfortunately this only delays progress, or healing. Why? Because in time, the pain returns as nothing was done to prevent it.

In phase 2, the most important work is accomplished. It basically ensures that the treatment received in phase 1 is successful. While symptom relief is still a motivating factor in the treatment plan, other elements are introduced. Elements such as strength training, balance, and stretching. The body’s proper alignment (that is, one without pain) is enhanced by strengthening the muscles that support it. Without that, the body will eventually go back to it’s pre-treatment alignment – which caused the pain in the first place.

Understanding why and how function will be restored is a critical piece in the process. At Damron Chiropractic & Wellness (DCW) we believe education is the foundation for every patient’s success with treatment because the ultimate goal is elevated wellness. What does that mean? It means raising the bar on personal wellness. It means being in a better place of wellness than where you were before.

Online Self-Diagnosing Hazards

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The accessibility of information today is astounding. So much available at our fingertips. Have a question? Google it. Need directions? MapQuest it. What about when it comes to your health? Have you ever had a question regarding a particular symptom you are experiencing? Did you go online to determine what you have and whether or not you should seek medical attention? Or have you ever thought something peculiar was going on with your body and wanted to see if it was something you should be concerned about? While searching online for answers might put our mind at ease, there are many hazards with online self diagnosing.  New research is revealing how inaccurate the online information is especially as it relates to symptom checkers, like WebMD or the Mayo Clinic.

Just this year, Harvard Medical School published a study evaluating the accuracy of these online tools. The results were surprising considering the millions a time a year we utilize symptom checker websites. The study found that only half the time did the symptom checker provide the correct diagnosis. Half. In order to reach this conclusion, the researchers used 45 fake patient symptoms. When the top 3 ailments were provided, only 51% of the cases had the correct diagnosis within the top 3. Plus, only 34% of the time, the online symptom checkers had the correct ailment as the first most likely option.

Another hazard with online self-diagnosing is knowing when to really seek medical attention. If there is only an accuracy rate of 50%, then you may go to the doctor without really needing to. Fear is likely the motivating factor here, suggested the researchers. Fear of something more serious happening with that person’s health. Many times simply seeing the list of potential illnesses is enough to create profound fear and anxiety in an individual.

While there is certainly some benefit to using these online self diagnosing tools, we cannot place all our faith in them. They can provide some insight and guidelines, but it does not substitute the benefits of interacting in person with a doctor. You know your body best. Listen to it. Advocate for yourself when you suspect something is wrong, but don’t jump to conclusions. Another option you might consider is building a relationship with a Doctor of Chiropractic. Most, if not all, practices welcome walk-ins. If you are a regular patient, walking in to talk to your Chiropractor when you have a troubling symptom can give you the peace of mind you need, without being misled by an inaccurate online self-diagnosis.

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