What you can expect during your diagnostic visit
The doctor won’t be able to determine if you are going to need x-rays until he has had a chance to speak with you and perform an examination. X-rays help us develop the most effective care plan for you, and alert us of any serious spinal conditions. Perhaps most importantly, taking the x-rays we take can let us know if it safe for us to work on you or not. There are some occasions when we won't or can't take x-rays, but we only know that once we've met with you. Most people are amazed once they see their X-rays up close.
Here's an interesting article Dr. Lazar wrote about how the safety component of taking x-rays.