I've seen three different chiropractors over a few years and each was a completely different experience. The first was basically a mill, and in terms of what they believed, was a "straight" chiropractor. That belief system is that the nerves that run through the spine control all of the functions of the body. If the spine is out of alignment, it may impact the nerves causing all kinds of issues. This might be correct to some extent, but they extrapolate it to every malady. This one was also against vaccination. The adjustments were okay, but it just seemed like a mill. They'd have a bunch of people waiting and then would get about 5 minutes with the chiropractor in an open setting. Frankly, I did feel better after an adjustment but it was somewhat temporary and I believed that you needed to alter the muscular-skeletal system, i.e. posture, strength training, for more lasting relief, which they didn't address.
The second was more of a sports chiropractor. His adjustments were practically nothing. He focused on strength training and functional movement. This seemed okay at first, but then I realized, I'm not sure he's really trained for this like a PT is. The problem was that I developed sciatica during my time there, which I reported to him. He claimed it was just muscle fatigue. It progressed. He didn't really belief in making much of an adjustment and I never really felt much after he would do one. Ultimately, a recent MRI showed that I had a fullblown herniated disc, which brings me to the third chiro.
The third chiro was the most thorough. She'd discuss your issues, do xrays, and do a full consultation with you. She'd do a series of adjustments in a closed room and there wasn't a line of people waiting. She'd take her time. I felt better after the adjustments. I also was seeing her in conjunction with a PT for the herniated disc. This is the ideal situation I think. The PT is trained in movement, stretching, and strength techniques to address issues. The chiro is not but can help adjust the spine. Both are necessary, imo. Frankly, I'm not even sure the chiro is actually adjusting the spine but instead may just be moving it to release pressure that develops from standing, sitting, moving.
I'd suggest finding a chiro who isn't a mill and will do a couple x-rays initially to see the condition of your spine. (The second guy I went to did no x-rays.) I think spinal adjustment and muscular-skeletal strengthening/stretching combined can be helpful.
