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A 25-year-old female asked:

Hi. i have been having lower back ache and numbness and tingling in my left leg. i had an x-ray of my entire spine and it was normal. could this be cancer? are spinal tumors missed upon x-ray? 25 year old?

4 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sue Ferranti
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
Many things can cause the symptoms you are having. You likely need an MRI of your lumbar/sacral spine to find out what is causing your symptoms. You may need to see a neurologist for further testing as well. Do you have any history of back trauma? Go to the nearest ER for any worsening of symptoms. See your doctor for further testing and referrals to neurology and/or spine specialist. Good luck!
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Dr. Jeffrey Trantalis, DPM
Podiatry 44 years experience
Your problem could be A misalignment or biomechanical miss function. Having one leg longer than the other or a pelvic rotation can cause similar symptoms especially in a young person
Oct 4, 2021
Dr. Bennett Machanic
Neurology 54 years experience
Agree with Dr Ferranti, as it may well be that you have a "pinched nerve" in your lower back causing the left leg issues. A normal X-ray will not reveal internal problems in the lumbosacral cistern. Perhaps you would benefit by a second opinion.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Donald Colantino
Internal Medicine 63 years experience
I think that you're being evaluated by a neurologist is inevitable and you could save a lot of time by seeing a neurologist straightaway. A herniated intervertebral disc in the lumbosacral spine is high on the list of possibilities.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Matthew Baker
Orthopedic Surgery 14 years experience
You likely need an MRI of your lower spine to find out what is causing your symptoms. You may need to see a neurosurgeon for further testing and treatment. Do you have any history of back trauma? Any problems using the bathroom? If so go to the nearest ER for any worsening of symptoms. See your doctor referral to spine specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 6, 2021

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