What is a pertinent negative finding in a patient with musculoskeletal back pain?

A pertinent negative finding in a patient with musculoskeletal back pain refers to the absence of certain symptoms or conditions that could indicate a more severe underlying issue. In this context, “no lower extremity weakness” is significant because it suggests that there is no neurological compromise or significant nerve injury associated with the back pain.

Lower extremity weakness could be indicative of conditions such as herniated discs or radiculopathy, where nerve roots are impacted. Therefore, ruling out lower extremity weakness helps clinicians determine that the back pain may be more benign and related to muscle strain or other musculoskeletal factors rather than a serious neurological issue. This contributes to a focused diagnostic approach and appropriate management.

The other options present findings that might indicate either complications or different types of issues. Increased range of motion could suggest that the pain is not due to a serious underlying condition since limited motion is often associated with musculoskeletal injuries. A positive straight leg raise test usually indicates nerve root irritation or herniation, which would be a concerning finding, while a history of recent trauma could suggest an injury that would require further investigation and management. Hence, the absence of lower extremity weakness serves as an important indicator of the overall clinical picture for musculoskeletal back pain.