What is the term for pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg?

The term for pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg is sciatica. Sciatica refers to the discomfort that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, is compressed or irritated. This often results in symptoms that not only include pain in the lower back but also extend down through the buttock and into the legs, aligning with the typical pattern of discomfort associated with sciatica.

The causes of sciatica can vary, but common factors include herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis that may compress the nerve roots leading to the sciatic nerve. While radiculopathy is a broader term that covers nerve pain stemming from the spine that can include sciatica, referencing sciatica specifically identifies the pain related to the sciatic nerve pathway. Therefore, the term sciatica best captures the specific pain pattern described in the question.