Got it Doug, thanks. Yeah my lumbar spine is an utter disaster area, but I work out every day with focus on maintaining a strong core. According to my surgeon, that's all that is standing between me and fusion surgery.

And it's interesting that you think the hamstring pull, spasm pain is being caused by the piriformis muscle and or hip/gluteus/sacrum. And if you're getting no relief after the epidurals, then yeah, it's likely not the lumbar spine or typical sciatica.

I've got a similar problem. While not chronic, I get what feels like hamstring cramps depending on how Im sitting, how my legs are positioned, or if I'm lying flat on my back and doing certain exercises. My Dr. thinks it may be due to stenosis, or another one of my lumbar problems. To that end, I had an MRI done four days ago and hopefully will know more soon.

Ha your Dr suggested an MRI? That would be very helpful if it is indeed a soft tissue issue in your sacrum or gluteus. An MRI could resolve this. Just a thought. All the best! Joe