Muscle strains are one of the most common causes of lower back pain.  Most lumbar muscle strains and sprains cause symptoms isolated to the lower back. Usually they do not cause radiating pain in the leg(s), like some other spinal conditions.  The most common symptoms of a lumbar strain are muscle spasm, and pain around the lower back and upper buttock region.

The piriformis muscle is a deep buttock muscle that rotates the leg outwards. The sciatic nerve runs very close to it, and a tight piriformis muscle can put pressure on the nerve and irritate it. This may result in pain which radiates down the leg.  

Shockwave Therapy is successful in treating these conditions by general activation and smoothing of the affected muscles and the surrounding area in order to get muscular relaxation.  

Is Piriformis Syndrome the same as Sciatica?

Piriformis Syndrome is different to true Sciatica which results in neurological symptoms radiating down the leg, causing pain, pins and needles and numbness.  True Sciatica requires further investigation, correct diagnosis and treatment.