Could a person have a tethered cord and not have spina bifida?

Yes: There are several potential causes of tethered cord and many of them have nothing to do with spina bifida. It can be sorted out with a good neurologic exam and perhaps an MRI of the lumbar spine. Tethered cord is not common however, and there are many much more common reasons to have pain or weakness in the legs (if that is what you are experiencing). Good luck.

Spina bifida: While a tethered cord is commonly associated with spina bifida you can also have a tethered cord not associated with this disorder.