I’m not really sure whether I am posting on the most appropriate forum, so forgive me if not, but I am trying to make sense of my current symptoms which are generated by prolonged sitting or laying on my back, particularly in a reclined position where pressure is at sacral level. I then get pain in left buttock and stinging/burning/cold sensations in both legs, mainly lower shins, ankles and feet, including the soles. Remaining leg area is largely spared, except for the worst times when there can also be 'Chinese burn' and deep itching/irritatable sensation in thighs. I don’t have low back pain, groin/genital pain or pain down back of legs. Otherwise, I am in good health, function normally without pain or restriction and my sleep is not disturbed. Routine bloods, B12, sugar etc. all normal.

Long story, but briefly, my problems first started in February 2008. Initially I had pelvic floor myalgia which was horrible but with quite different symptoms to those I have now. This slowly resolved over time, but symptoms then evolved into this troublesome buttock pain on the left side, shortly followed by the leg symptoms. I have to assume all these events are connected. The buttock discomfort is around and above the tuberosity. I could suspect piriformis syndrome affecting the sciatic nerve, but how would this explain symptoms in both legs?

Had two MRIs in the past, which showed nothing significant. I saw a neurologist in November last year who reports that my pains are probably a radiculopathy, although he wasn’t sure why they are bilateral, and that I have no clinical signs of a peripheral neuropathy and normal pulses. He also noted my externally rotated right lower extremity, suggestive of a longstanding musculoskeletal abnormality, but was not sure how this related to my symptoms. (This had never troubled me before!). He only did a physical examination and did not plan any further investigations.

Things are manageable but prolonged sitting is my main challenge. Before I give in totally and just ‘live with it’, I don’t want to neglect any possible chance of improving my situation. Not currently taking any regular meds. Have been to osteopath and two physios and would consider chiropractor, but am hesitant. Would any supplements benefit me? Have read Sarno and mindbody medicine extensively and am very open to this concept too. I sometimes use magnesium oil on my legs/buttock but it stings like the devil due to skin sensitivity. I am a 61 year old female by the way.

I would be most grateful for any thoughts or advice, thank you.