Dear Dr. Gott: Not much is said about myofascial pain, but I was told there is no cure.

I've had chronic pain in my buttocks and thighs for six years when sitting. Standing is OK. I've had MRIs and X-rays of my lower back, hips and pelvis. Nothing was noted that would contribute to the pain.

I've tried therapies, diets and have seen many doctors, to no avail. Is this diagnosis given when doctors cannot say what causes the pain?

Dear reader: Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that affects the connective tissue that covers muscles. Pain may develop from excessive strain on a single muscle or group of muscles, ligaments or tendons, through repetitive motion, intervertebral disc injuries, certain medical conditions and immobilisation of a limb following a fracture.

The pain can exacerbate during periods of stress or increased activity and is often identified through pressure applied at specific trigger points. Depression and sleep difficulties are commonly reported.

Treatment for pain relief is accomplished through physical therapy, massage, trigger-point injections or medication.

There is also a technique whereby the area of pain is sprayed with a coolant and the muscle is stretched slowly.

Because the pain is in your buttocks and thighs, I recommend you speak with your primary-care physician about the possibility of sciatica or a pinched nerve being the cause.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Managing Chronic Pain". Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 52-year-old female recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Could you please tell me about the condition?

Dear Dr. Gott: Sarcoidosis occurs because of an abnormal immune response to a toxin, pathogen or drug entering the body through the airways as a person breathes.

White blood cells play a large role in normal immune responses, but with sarcoidosis, those same cells can react too strongly to a potential threat, causing small, inflamed areas known as granulomas. The condition can affect any organ but appears more often in the skin, lungs, lymph nodes and eyes.

Those more commonly affected are African-American women, people between the ages of 20 and 40 and those of German, Scandinavian, Irish, Asian and Puerto Rican descent.

Symptoms include persistent cough; small red bumps on the skin of the face, arms or buttocks; shortness of breath; arthritis of several joints; weight loss; fever; and red eyes that tend to water.

The severity of symptoms varies depending on how long the disease has been present and which organs are affected.

Almost 70 percent of those diagnosed do not suffer any lasting consequences. However, in the remaining 30 percent, granulomas can damage otherwise healthy tissue.

When the lungs are involved, tissue scarring between the air sacs makes it increasingly difficult for a person to breathe. The eyes can become red and water excessively.

Inflammation of facial nerves can lead to facial paralysis. Fertility may be affected. And, with heart involvement, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy can occur.

Testing initially includes a physical exam and X-ray. Most people who carry the diagnosis will have an abnormal film. When this occurs, further testing to include lab work, pulmonary-function tests, biopsy, bronchoscopy and more is ordered.

When the heart, kidneys, central nervous system and eyes are involved, medication is often prescribed. With lung inflammation, a physician may choose to monitor the situation before beginning treatment.

Occasionally, sarcoidosis needs no treatment. Follow your physician's advice, and be sure he or she answers all your questions.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook." Write directly to Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th fl., New York, NY 10016.