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I had back problems for a number of years, and saw a chiropractor for much of that time. In a back attack, what mainly happens is that you _can't_ crack your back -- it won't adjust normally. Some problem in your back is causing the surrounding muscles to go into spasm, and then they pull your back out of line So then you go to a chiro guy who cracks your back by force for a few days until the muscles relax and everything snaps back into line. Not fun.
As long as you can crack your own back, you're probably okay. But I would suggest stretching exercises, either before workout or on a regular basis. I stopped seeing the chiropractor when I began yoga. I, too, lift weights, and the yoga exercises which stretch the back and space out the vertebra counteract the problems caused by my own heredity and compression of the spine through weight training. My back usually cracks once or twice during yoga practice, and that's simply as sign that all is well and that my back is aligning itself through the stretching.
My point: as long as you can crack your own, you're probably fine. If you no longer are able to, you're probably already starting to notice back problems, and regular stretching exercises and/or yoga are becoming a necessity. I stick with the yoga because my routine contains some of the absolutely best spine-stretching exercises I've ever had -- much better than anything a chiropractor or physical therapist ever gave me.
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