Do I still need to brush my teeth?

I regularly go to the dentist twice per year. Having my teeth checked and cleaned keeps me away from the other part of my dentist's office where he uses needles and other utensils that make me nervous and want to run for my life. It's great when I leave and my appointment is not for another 6 months which means "look mom no cavities".

The dental profession has done a wonderful job of prevention. Along with the ADA and some great commercials on T.V. most of us rarely have cavities, their education system works! So why am I talking about my teeth and not my back? The answer is, education for spinal hygiene is limited or even none at all.

Our annual physicals rarely include inspection of the spinal area. If we have a complaint significant enough they will do a cursory exam and then prescribe medications of some type. This is not a complaint towards the medical profession. They do a wonderful job looking for things that are life threatening and I am very glad they do.

Yet, as we live longer our mobility is challenged significantly. We end up using walkers, canes and wheelchairs. Most of this could be prevented if we had an education system in place to help prevent these musculoskeletal impairments. So, what's my point?

Regular spinal check-ups along with musculoskeletal examinations should be part of the package for better health. You have your eyes, teeth, heart and blood-pressure checked regularly why not the spine? A spine without pain does not mean all is well, much like a tooth without pain is well (cavities are usually painless).

A spinal examination is inexpensive and far cheaper than some procedures performed on a spine that has not received regular spinal maintenance. I still brush my teeth daily so I won't need procedures that are expensive and usually painful and I do the same for my spine.