What is the clinical significance of excess pain during a physical examination?

Excess pain during a physical examination is clinically significant as it often indicates potential underlying pathology. When a patient experiences more pain than what is typically expected during an examination, it can serve as a red flag for clinicians, suggesting there may be an issue that requires further investigation. This heightened sensitivity may be indicative of inflammation, injury, or other medical conditions that could be affecting the patient. It prompts healthcare providers to consider differential diagnoses and to potentially conduct further diagnostic testing or imaging to uncover the root cause of the pain. Recognizing and addressing excess pain is vital for appropriate patient management and treatment.