For the past 15 years I've lived with chronic pain. Medical experts, and those within natural fields, have all told me that I have a spectrum of things - from sciatica to piriformis through to overly tight back muscles that were causing over-compensation. Recently I found a doctor, on the Gold Coast, Australia, who was the first doctor to send me for an MRI instead of a typical x-ray. This revealed that I have 2 forms of rare disease and not the array of diagnoses that I have had in the past: I have both Tarlov Cysts and Neurenteric Cysts. These unfriendly beasts have taken to residing in my back (from the L5-S1) as well in both ovaries.
Outwardly, one wouldn't know the pain that I experience every day. I look healthy (I'm young-ish) and I lead a lifestyle that doesn't reveal how much pain I am in on the occasions that I do exercise.
I am on a path to finding a neuro-surgeon but the disease is rare: ~0.7-1.3% of the population and ~4.6-9% are impacted, respectively. I don't know that lies ahead but I will share what I find in case it helps others. I live between Australia and the US and so will be looking for medical professionals in both countries.