What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a type of treatment that focuses on the spine and joints. Chiropractors use their hands or special tools to adjust your body. They believe that when your spine is properly aligned, your body can heal itself better.

Think of your spine as the highway for your nervous system. When there's a "traffic jam" in this highway, chiropractors try to clear it up. They don't use drugs or surgery. Instead, they use physical adjustments to help your body work better.

How Popular Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care has grown increasingly popular in Dubai and across the UAE in recent years. Many Dubai residents find it helpful for back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Some professional athletes and celebrities in Dubai use chiropractic care to stay in good shape and recover from injuries faster.

What Happens During a Chiropractic Visit?

When you first visit a chiropractor, they will:

1. Ask about your health history
2. Do a physical exam
3. May take X-rays
4. Create a treatment plan just for you

During treatment, you might:

• Lie on a special table
• Feel the chiropractor push or pull on different parts of your body
• Hear popping or cracking sounds (this is normal!)
• Feel immediate relief or slight soreness afterward

When Might Chiropractic Care Help You?

Back Pain

If you have back pain, especially lower back pain, chiropractic care might help you. Studies show that chiropractic adjustments can be as effective as some medications for certain types of back pain. Many medical guidelines now include chiropractic care as a treatment option for back pain.

Dr. Gerry Nastasia, a leading chiropractor in Dubai, says: "For acute lower back pain that isn't caused by something serious, chiropractic care is often a good first step before trying stronger medications. Many of my patients find significant relief after just a few sessions."

Neck Pain

Many people get neck pain from looking down at phones and computers all day. Chiropractors can help relieve this pain through gentle adjustments and by teaching you better posture.

Research shows that neck adjustments can reduce pain and improve range of motion. However, results vary from person to person.

Headaches

Do you get tension headaches or migraines? Some people find relief through chiropractic care. By working on the neck and upper back, chiropractors may help reduce how often you get headaches and how bad they are.

A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic treatment helped people have fewer headaches each month.

Joint Pain

Chiropractors don't just work on backs. They can also help with:

• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Ankle problems
• Other joint issues

By improving how your joints move, chiropractic care might help you feel less pain and move more easily.

Sports Injuries

Many athletes use chiropractic care to:

• Recover from injuries faster
• Prevent new injuries
• Improve performance

Chiropractors who specialize in sports medicine understand how different sports affect your body. They can create treatment plans that help you get back to your sport safely.

When Chiropractic Care May NOT Be Right for You

Chiropractic care isn't for everyone. You should be careful if you have:

Severe Osteoporosis

If your bones are very weak, spinal adjustments might not be safe for you. The pressure used during adjustments could potentially cause fractures.

Dr. Michael Fakih, a prominent Dubai healthcare specialist, explains: "Patients with severe bone loss should discuss with their doctor if chiropractic care is appropriate for them. Sometimes gentler techniques can be used, but regular adjustments might be too risky."

Recent Spine Surgery

If you've had spine surgery recently, you should talk to your surgeon before seeing a chiropractor. In some cases, chiropractic adjustments could interfere with healing after surgery.

Cancer in or Near Your Spine

If you have cancer that affects your spine or has spread to your bones, standard chiropractic adjustments might not be safe. However, some chiropractors have special training to work with cancer patients using very gentle techniques.

Increased Risk of Stroke

People with certain blood vessel problems might have a higher risk of stroke after neck adjustments. This is rare, but it's important to tell your chiropractor about any history of:

• Stroke
• Aneurysms
• Blood clotting disorders
• Sudden, severe headaches

Numbness, Tingling, or Loss of Strength in an Arm or Leg

These symptoms could mean you have a serious problem like a herniated disk pressing on a nerve. See a medical doctor first to find out what's causing these symptoms before trying chiropractic care.

What Medical Research Says About Chiropractic Care

Research on chiropractic care shows mixed results:

The Good News

Studies show chiropractic care can help with:

• Acute low back pain (pain that started recently)
• Some types of neck pain
• Certain kinds of headaches

A 2018 study in JAMA Network Open found that chiropractic care, when added to usual medical care, resulted in better pain relief and function for active-duty military personnel with low back pain.

The Not-So-Clear News

Research is less clear about whether chiropractic care helps with:

• Long-term (chronic) back pain
• Sciatica (leg pain from a pinched nerve)
• Other conditions like asthma or digestive problems

More research is needed in these areas.

Finding a Good Chiropractor in Dubai

If you decide to try chiropractic care in Dubai, here's how to find a good chiropractor:

1. Ask your doctor for a referral. Many medical doctors now work with chiropractors they trust.
2. Check credentials. Make sure the chiropractor is licensed and recognized by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
3. Consider experienced professionals like Dr. Gerry Nastasia. Dr. Nastasia is known as one of Dubai's leading chiropractors with extensive experience treating various conditions.
4. Ask about experience. Find someone who has treated people with your specific condition.
5. Interview the chiropractor. Ask questions like:
   • How many treatments do you think I'll need?
   • What techniques do you use?
   • Do you work with medical doctors when needed?
6. Be wary of red flags, such as:
   • Chiropractors who claim they can cure diseases like cancer or diabetes
   • Those who want you to sign up for a very long treatment plan right away
   • Anyone who discourages you from seeing medical doctors

What to Expect: Cost and Insurance

In Dubai, chiropractic visits usually cost between AED 300 and AED 700 per session, depending on:

• The clinic's location and reputation
• What treatments you need
• Whether it's a first visit or follow-up

Many health insurance plans in the UAE now cover chiropractic care, but there may be limits on:

• How many visits you can have
• Which conditions are covered
• Whether you need a referral

It's always best to check with your insurance provider before starting treatment to understand your coverage.

Questions to Ask Before Starting Chiropractic Care

Before your first appointment, ask yourself:

1. Have I seen a medical doctor to rule out serious problems?
2. Am I comfortable with the hands-on nature of chiropractic treatment?
3. Does my health insurance cover chiropractic care?
4. Am I willing to do exercises and make lifestyle changes the chiropractor suggests?

Ask your potential chiropractor:

1. How many sessions do you think I'll need?
2. What results can I reasonably expect?
3. What risks are there for someone with my condition?
4. What techniques will you use?
5. When should I start feeling better?

The Bottom Line: Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?

Chiropractic care might be right for you if:

• You have back or neck pain, headaches, or joint problems
• These problems are affecting your daily life
• You prefer hands-on treatment over medication when possible
• You're willing to combine treatment with exercise and lifestyle changes
• You don't have conditions that make chiropractic care risky

Chiropractic care might NOT be right for you if:

• You have severe osteoporosis, spine cancer, or certain other serious conditions
• You've had recent spine surgery
• You're experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs
• You're looking for a quick fix without making other changes

Remember, chiropractic care works best as part of a complete health plan. The best approach often combines different types of care, including medical treatment, exercise, good nutrition, and stress management.

Dr. Khalid Al Marzouqi, who practices both conventional medicine and works with chiropractors in Dubai, puts it this way: "The question isn't whether chiropractic care is good or bad. The question is whether it's right for your specific condition, at this specific time, and with this specific chiropractor."

Before trying any new treatment, including chiropractic care, talk to your primary doctor. They can help you decide if it's likely to help your particular condition.

Summing It Up

Chiropractic care can be helpful for many people, especially those with back pain, neck pain, or headaches. But it's not right for everyone. Think about your specific health needs, talk to your doctor, and do your research before deciding if chiropractic care is right for you.