How to choose a chiropractor in Dubai: 7 things to check

Searching for a chiropractor in Dubai brings up a long list of clinics, and from the outside they can look much the same. As a chiropractor who has practised in the UK and the UAE for more than 16 years, these are the things I would check if I were choosing one for myself or my family.

1. A Dubai Health Authority licence

Chiropractors practising in Dubai must be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It is reasonable to ask for a chiropractor's licence number before you book, and a good clinic will be happy to give it to you.

2. Recognised chiropractic training

Chiropractic degrees take four to five years of full-time study. In the UK the qualification is usually a Master of Chiropractic (MChiro); in the United States it is a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). I trained at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (now AECC University College) in the UK and graduated with an MChiro in 2010.

3. A proper assessment before any treatment

Your first visit should start with questions about your history and your pain, followed by an examination: how you move, your posture, and orthopaedic and neurological tests. If anything suggests you need a scan or a different specialist, you should be referred rather than treated.

4. A clear plan with an end point

You should leave your first visit knowing what the chiropractor found, what they recommend, roughly how many visits it will take and what it will cost. Be cautious of long, pre-paid plans offered before you have even been examined.

5. Gentle options and your consent

Not everyone wants a manual adjustment, and that is fine. A good chiropractor will explain what they plan to do, ask for your consent, and offer low-force or soft-tissue alternatives if you prefer.

6. Someone you feel comfortable with

Treatment is hands-on, so comfort matters. Many women, particularly during pregnancy or after birth, prefer to see a female chiropractor. Language matters too: being able to explain your symptoms in your own language makes a real difference. I see patients in English, Urdu and Punjabi.

7. Honesty about what chiropractic can and can't help

Chiropractic is well suited to many problems of the back, neck and joints, such as low back pain, sciatica, and neck pain and tension headaches. It is not the answer to everything, and a chiropractor you can trust will tell you when something is outside what they treat.

A note on fees and insurance

Ask about fees before you book, and check with your insurer whether chiropractic is covered on your policy. I work on a pay-and-claim basis: you pay at your visit and receive a detailed receipt to claim from your insurer.