Frequently Asked Questions on Chiropractic

1. What is chiropractic?

The word Chiropractic is derived from Greek words meaning “practice” and “hand”. It is grounded in the principle that the body can heal itself when the skeletal system is correctly aligned, and the nervous system is functioning properly. To achieve this, the chiropractor uses his or her hands to find the location of spinal problems, to perform specific and precise manipulations of the vertebrae. When these bones of the spine are not correctly aligned, this results in a condition known as subluxation. The theory is that nerve transmission is disrupted by the subluxation, and this causes pain and other symptoms in the back, as well as other areas of the body.

Chiropractic is third most popular healthcare profession in the world, after traditional medicine and dentistry. Some would say it now qualifies as mainstream treatment, as opposed to complementary medicine. Chiropractic treatment is covered by many insurance plans. It has become the well-accepted treatment for acute pain and problems of the spine, including lower back pain and whiplash. Most chiropractors also adjust the other joints of the body, not just the spinal joints.

2. Is  chiropractic a safe treatment?

Chiropractic is generally safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor (NHS, 2020).

Minor “adverse events”, such as muscle soreness and stiffness can occur after treatment in some patients (Carnes et al., 2010). These are usually mild, fairly common and typically resolve within 24 and 72 hours.

Serious “adverse events” are rare, occurring in less than one in a million patient visits for lumbar spine manipulation (Bronfort et al., 2010). This compares favourably with the risks of taking medication.

Spinal manipulation is included as a treatment recommendation in the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Guidelines for “Low back pain and sciatica”, 2016.

Cervical spine manipulation has been researched in association with various types of stroke. Cassidy et al. (2017) concluded that there was no excess risk of carotid artery stroke after chiropractic care.

3. What kind of techniques are your chiropractors are using?

  • Diversified (main technique)
  • Thompson Drop
  • Blocking
  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Myofascial Release Therapy
  • Graston Technique
  • Cox Flexion Distraction
  • Gonstead Technique
  • McKenzie Technique
  • Laser Therapy

4.What is the difference between chiropractic and osteopathy?

Both chiropractors and osteopaths work on a patient’s musculo-skeletal system. They use their hands to diagnose and treat structural and functional problems, by working with the bones, muscles and connective tissue.

The term “spinal manipulative therapy” refers to both osteopathy and chiropractic. Traditionally, chiropractors use direct, precise, short, rapid thrusts in a particular direction and specific location, which often produces the characteristic “click”. Osteopaths move the patient’s joints and muscles using stretching, resistance and gentle pressure.

Both professions take a case history and undertake a patient examination. Both use manual palpation (feeling the spine and joints while in motion) to diagnose abnormal or restricted movement. Both professions use diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests, in addition to orthopaedic and neurological tests, to diagnose the condition with great accuracy.

There is generally considerable overlap of techniques and ideas. The two professions probably have more similarities than they have differences.

5. What is a subluxation? How does it affect us?

In simplest terms, a subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) is not moving correctly. This can create pressure on or irritate the spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that exit between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes them to malfunction and interfere with the nerve signals.

The nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling via nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper messages. In other words, some parts of your body will not be working properly.

It is the responsibility of the chiropractor to locate the subluxation and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments, specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.

Chiropractors have known about the effects of subluxations for over 125 years. Today, more scientific evidence is showing the effects of subluxations and the health benefits of correcting them. To be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference. Our goal is to allow your body to return itself to the highest level of health possible, by correcting vertebral subluxations.

6. I am suffering from low back pain. Do you see these types of complaints? Is it a serious problem?

70% of our patients come to us with some type of lower back pain. It can be a serious problem, if not taken care of. After mental health, musculoskeletal pain is the most common reason for taking time off work. Our chiropractors will be able to reduce or eliminate your pain and teach you how to stay healthy.

7. Do I need to have an x-ray/MRI done before coming for treatment?

No. Our practitioners will examine you and, if needed, prescribe X-rays, MRIs or other images of the correct areas, to help with diagnosis. However, if you have any images that are less than five years old, please bring them with you. They may be useful in the diagnosis.

8. Is it safe for a pregnant woman to receive chiropractic care?

Our chiropractors successfully treat pregnant women. We use specialised, gentle techniques to alleviate your symptoms and optimise your musculo-skeletal system. Chiropractors who treat pregnant women are well educated in the correct techniques to use, to ensure your safety.

9. Can seniors receive chiropractic care?

Age is no barrier to chiropractic care. Many gentle, low-force techniques can be used, depending on the condition and age of the patient. Treatment is adapted according to each patients needs, in order to decrease pain and increase mobility.

10. Do chiropractors treat babies and children?

Yes. Some spinal and joint problems arise in the womb, and we are well qualified to diagnose and treat babies from birth and children of all ages.

Please check our babies and children section for more detail.

11. What are your clinic timings?

We work all days of the week from 9 am to 8 pm.

12. Where are you located?

  • Umm Suqeim 2
  • Jumeirah 1

13. What is the procedure of booking an appointment?

To book an appointment, there are many ways to reach us. You can:

If you are in a lot of pain, be sure to mention this to the receptionist and she will do her best to fit you in on the day you call. You can also send us an e-mail at info@emirateseuropean.com.

14. What about insurance? Will it be covered?

Many insurance companies cover chiropractic and/or physiotherapy. Since there are many different insurers and plans, it is important that you call your insurance company to check their terms and conditions and what they will cover. You can also check with our reception team, who deal with insurance issues daily.

15. From which country are your chiropractors?

United Kingdom, United States of America, Denmark, and Lebanon.

16. Which languages do your Chiropractors speak?

We have chiropractors who speak:

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Danish
  • German
  • Dutch
  • Norwegian
  • Swedish

17. What should I expect on the first visit?

  • Pre-screening – Vital Signs
  • Health Questionnaire
  • Complete Health History
  • Physical Examination
  • Diagnosis and Report of Findings
  • Treatment Plan
  • Treatment, Referral or Imaging

Please click here for more information on the first visit.

18. How many sessions do I need to feel better?

This question can only be addressed at the end of the initial consultation. The number of chiropractic treatments required will vary depending on several factors. Generally longer-term treatment is needed for conditions that are chronic, severe, or happen together with other health problems. Patients who are not in overall good health may also have longer healing times. Some injuries will inherently require more treatments than others, in order to get relief.

Care is given in three stages. Initially appointments are more frequent, with the goal of relieving immediate pain. Next, the patient moves into a rehabilitative stage, to continue the healing process and help to prevent a relapse. Finally, the patient may elect periodic maintenance, or wellness treatments, along with lifestyle changes if needed, in order to stay in good health.

19. How often should I come for treatment?

Every case is different. You will however be given an indication of the number of treatments anticipated during your initial consultation, together with the time span between each one.

20. I have already finished a course of chiropractic treatment, why do I need regular chiropractic check-ups?

Our chiropractors may recommend a check-up every two to three months, depending on your original complaint and your lifestyle. We call this maintenance treatment; it helps to keep you in good shape and reduce the chances of a future relapse.

21. How can I get the most out of my chiropractic treatments?

Your wellness journey is a partnership between you and your chiropractor. Your full cooperation with advice, prescribed exercises and the treatment plan is essential. You will get better much quicker if you do this.