Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Do you brush your teeth ONLY when they hurt?

We all know that brushing, flossing and rinsing our teeth on a regular basis is absolutely necessary to avoiding pain and decay in the future. That is why we do it, right? But, did you know that the bones in your back are just like the bones in your mouth? They will become problematic if not cared for properly!

When was the first time you had your teeth (bones in the mouth) examined by a healthcare professional?
When was the first time you had your spine (bones in the back) examined by a healthcare professional?

How often have you been taught to practice oral hygiene, i.e. brushing, flossing, rinsing, etc?
How often have you been taught to practice spinal hygiene, i.e. postural strengthening and stretching, etc?

What will happen if you stop all forms of oral hygiene for the next 5 years?
What will happen if you stop all forms of spinal hygiene for the next 5 years?

If you can identify a severe problem in a tooth, what would you do about it?
If you can identify a severe problem in a vertebrae or portion of your spine, what would you do about it?

Is there any benefit to regular health maintenance practices for your teeth and gums?
Is there any benefit to regular health maintenance practices for your muscular-skeletal system?

In case of severe decay and degeneration, can you simply replace a section of teeth, i.e. dentures?
In case of severe decay and degeneration, can you simply replace a section of your spine?

I could continue, but I hope this is enough to make my point. How far off the mark are we when it comes to maintaining the health of our own bodily parts and systems? We place more importance on what we see in the mirror (teeth) than what literally protects the body’s electrical system (spine). Both will decay and degenerate over time, especially if neglected! One can be surgically altered with ease, while the other cannot. We take great effort in taking care of one (teeth) to avoid pain, but only care for the other (spine) only when it creates pain. This type of action is clearly insane when observed logically, no?

It is very unfortunate that most people think their spine is perfectly healthy as long as they feel good. Well folks, the reality is that we all feel good before we develop a cavity. Often times we even feel fine while the cavity is getting worse. But, most people don’t wait until they have a massively symptomatic cavity to make an appointment for a dental checkup. Why do most of us behave in opposing fashion when it comes to the spine? Why do our kids not get spinal checkups? Why do we not care for our spine if it doesn’t hurt?

There is very little difference between Chiropractic and Dentistry other than you simply understand the need for one more than the other. Don’t let that misunderstanding get you into trouble down the road. If you don’t have back or neck pain now- that’s great! But, don’t wait around for a “cavity in the spine” to arise. It is wise to do what needs to be done to avoid the problem. If you do have pain and stiffness- take it very seriously! The spine you have is the only one you will ever get. We reap what we sow.

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig

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