@abdamurph
So sorry. I'm not the doctor, but with my L5/S1 issue that led to all of this, my doctor said the piriformis is spasming. It is common.
I'm into my 8th month of daily pain. I manage it better - i ice a lot - but it's too long.
Getting an epidural in 2 weeks - had one 6-7 months ago.
Fingers crossed. Next step a microdiscectomy or whatever it's called.
Key problem - after all this time, a piece of the disc is still pressing on the nerve.
Good luck to you.

@abdamurph I also had L5-S-1 fused 1 years ago. I was better for a couple years and then it’s downhill. I did tons of PT, water therapy, acupuncture with no improvement. 7 years ago I worked with a Pain Specialist at Rush, a reputable hospital in Chicago. He tried 10 minimally evasive procedures with the last being the spinal stimulator with no luck. Every pain starts on my left back and sciatica too. Until he finds something new, Norco is my only relief. I live alone in a big house. I would like to downsize one day.

@abdamurph
Many times I had injections that did nothing. Then I got a pain mgmt doctor at barrow. She is amazing, no pain, ultrasound guided and she knows where to hit what hurts. I will continue as I believe the body can heal without surgery just might take a couple of years.