just my $0.02 but there is a range of chiropractors from very gentle to real head rippers. I've seen at least 5 different ones and I love the one I have now. He is on the gentle end of the spectrum.
He takes his time w/ me and gives me a mini back massage to work out the knots before he adjusts me. Then his adjusts are mild.
I see my massage therapist and chiropractor each about every 3 weeks - they do a good job of releasing the knots/tension/locked-up areas up. Insurance pays for it, so thats really nice.