What do braces have to do with your spine?

16 months ago, I made a decision that surprised a lot of people—I got braces.

Yes, as an adult.

I've heard the jokes. I've smiled through the awkward stages and conversations. And you know what? I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Why?

Because I believe it's never too late to invest in your health.

As I sat in the orthodontist's chair one day, I couldn't help but think...

People willingly invest thousands of dollars and months—even years—into the alignment of their teeth.

But many of those same people live with poor posture, spinal problems, headaches, and stiffness without ever thinking about investing in the actual physical foundation that supports them every day.

That experience reminded me of something I see every day in my practice.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that people wait until something hurts before paying attention to their spine...

Most people don't hesitate to invest in their teeth because they understand the long-term benefits. They know that straight, healthy teeth don't just improve a smile—they can improve function, confidence, and overall oral health.

Yet when it comes to the spine, many people take the opposite approach. They ignore stiffness, poor posture, headaches, or recurring aches, hoping those problems will simply go away with time.

The truth is, our bodies are always adapting. Just as teeth gradually shift over the years, our posture, flexibility, and movement patterns change too. The question isn't if our bodies will change—it's whether we're intentionally guiding those changes toward better health.

Investing in your health doesn't always require dramatic changes. More often, it's the small decisions we make consistently that have the greatest impact.

Choosing to move your body.

Paying attention to your posture.

Eating nourishing foods.

Getting enough rest.

Seeking care before small problems become bigger ones.

Those are investments, too.

This experience has taught me something unexpected about health—and it has nothing to do with having a straighter smile.

It made me realize how willing we are to invest in the things we can see... while often overlooking the invisible foundation that supports us every single day.

So starting today think about the ways you could make your life healthier...it's never too late!

Here's to a healthier way of life, 🌿

Dr. Lara McMahon