Lower back pain that's been there for three weeks. Neck stiffness after a car accident. Or you just sit at a desk all day and things aren't quite right. Chiropractic is legitimately effective for certain musculoskeletal issues - especially lower back pain and tension headaches - and completely useless for others. Good chiropractors know the difference.
A chiropractor who does a thorough intake, reviews imaging if relevant, and explains their diagnosis in terms you understand is worth their rate. One who puts you on a 40-visit treatment plan on the first visit before they know anything about you is selling you something. Most acute issues resolve in 6-12 sessions; if you're not seeing improvement by then, reassess.
Visits typically run $60-$150 in the DMV. Insurance covers chiropractic at many plans but often with visit limits. Red flag: anyone who claims chiropractic can treat conditions beyond musculoskeletal issues - organ function, immunity, etc. That's a sign they'll overtreat.