X rays are good at showing the alignment and integrity of bones very.   They are good for imaging the spine and skull, and can easily show dislocations and fractures.

		An AP (anterior to posterior ) film of the lumbar spine is looking through the body, from front to back.   This type of view can spot fractures,  scoliosis, and is often useful for early detection of tumors involving the bone.
		A lateral x-ray of the lumbar spine is excellent for determining alignment of the spine.  Compression fractures can detected easily.  In addition, collapse of the disk spaces may indicate degenerative disk disease.