[Boomer]

Humdinger,

Is it possible that you do not have the correct diagnosis?

A synovial cyst in the lumbar spine can cause some of the same symptoms as piriformis syndrome. A synovial cyst will not show up on an x-ray. Diagnosis requires an MRI.

Synovial cysts are benign and are termed rare. But I think it is possible that synovial cysts are more under-diagnosed than rare because insurance companies discourage MRIs.

These cysts form from synovial fluid and can occur as we age and the space between the spinal discs narrows. A synovial cyst in the lumbar area can grow to compress nerves -- causing pain, sometimes excruciating and constant, in the butt and legs. (On an x-ray, the spine itself might not show degeneration to the point of explaining the intensity of the pain so treatment proceeds without the knowledge that a synovial cyst exists. Without an MRI, this approach can go on for a long time, while time is lost and pain increases.)

Sometimes aspiration of the cyst can drain fluid, but if the cyst has hardened, surgery may be necessary. It is a tiny incision. This surgery should be done by a neurosurgeon because, after all, this is spinal cord territory.

Please Google synovial cyst and you will find some legitimate medical sources for details. With that information, you then can decide if what I am saying is a possibility to discuss with your doctor.

You have been hurting for a long time. If a synovial cyst is the culprit, physical therapy and massages can't fix it. But a good neurosurgeon can.