Hi Sharon as I read your initial post it sounded like sciatica so yes ask your spine specialist. I have peripheral neuropathy - from chemo and initially my feet felt like they were sand bags, I could walk but with difficulty. Eventually my feet dropped, my feet went numb and I felt I had wooden legs. That was the lead up to pain behind and in front of my knees but this pain is due to muscle strain and weakening. I did not have pain in the back of the thighs at all and lying down is a relief for me. I think you are approaching your predicament with great clarity and common sense. I saw a neurologist who did a nerve impulse test and I also see a physio with a chiro who do DNS therapy with me. I do not take any pharmaceuticals except oroxin (but that's for thyroid problem). You are in good hands, keep calm and best wishes for a healing solution