Chiropractic care is very safe, but this Dr should have done a better job explaining.
Chiro Equipment
Different chiropractors have their own ways of doing things... While it's not my personal style to perform care without thoroughly explaining it first, many doctors (dentists, MD's, and chiropractors) feel it's unnecessary to discuss treatment with their patients. Sounds like your chiro might be in that group.
I believe your confusion is perfectly valid. If he only took x-rays of your neck and then claimed to "align" the upper back, you absolutely deserve an explanation.
I think what we're dealing with here is more a question about this doctor's style of practice... If he's been doing this for 30 years, he may just be in a routine and not thinking about the fact that this is a brand new for you. While I personally wouldn't mesh well with this type of care, he still may be a very capable health care provider.
How did you go about finding his office? Did you open up the Yellow Pages and blindly pick a name? Did a car accident attorney send you to him? Was his name recommended by a friend or family member who went to his office previously?
Finding the right chiropractor is important; it's not something people should pick at random.
As far as the neck manipulation concerns go... Millions of people have their necks manipulated in chiropractic offices every day and live to tell about it. There are more adverse effects associated with taking aspirin or getting the flu shot, for example, than receiving chiropractic care.
That being said, it's not my personal choice when receiving care. I'm an advocate for "Upper Cervical Care." If you're fortunate enough to have this type of specialist in your area, chances are you'll feel much more comfortable because it doesn't involve any twisting, popping, or cracking of the neck or spine.
Email me or post your zip code and I'll see if I can find one near you. If there isn't someone close by, there are a few full-spine chiropractic methods that can safely and gently manipulate your neck without twisting. These include Activator Methods, Integrator, and Pro-Adjuster instruments.