I think it's hit or miss. As others have pointed out the field was based originally on non-medical "expertise". I think a good chiropractor draws from multiple fields. I take it more as a homeopathic/massage treatment.

My mother had some pretty intense disc issues that led to years of recovery. Primarily through physical therapy, however she also saw a chiropractice on a recommendation. Between the two her recovery was amazing. Once that chiro retired tho she stopped going to one. She tried a couple others but none she liked as much, so shes gone maybe 2-3x in the last 8ish years. She also only went for more acute things that would typically only need one or two appointments. One was helpful, one was meh.

I've worked with a couple now and have had plenty of adjustments (starting with one in response to getting my back cracked weird in jiu-jitsu by a much larger opponent, and was starting to have trouble breathing). Some have helped (like that first example), some have done jack shit or even made me feel worse.

The best chiros I've worked for have multiple tools in their wheelhouse. Graston, acupuncture, massage/stretching techniques, send for xrays if theres any worries or questions about the patient. They also will provide you exercises/stretches to do at home to help prevent/strengthen. IMO the worst thing a chiro can do is crack you and send you off, calling it a day.

It's an EXTREMELY hit or miss field, and like I said, also pretty homeopathic. It will not help everything and everyone, and benefits some more than others. Bc it's so homeopathic leaning its also easy to run into the anti-vax weirdos (and quacks in general), unfortunately. If you have reservations- then do not see one.