Back Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have numbness or tingling in the genital area, buttocks, leg, or foot?

See significance of numbness or tingling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling in both legs?

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling around the anus or in the genital area?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new numbness or tingling in 1 buttock or 1 leg?

Yes

Is numbness or tingling getting worse?

Yes

Is numbness or tingling affecting a larger area?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling that comes and goes without other symptoms for the past 24 hours?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	August 28, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer