Which is not a common sign associated with meningitis?

Back pain is not commonly recognized as a typical sign of meningitis. Meningitis primarily presents with symptoms that reflect inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Commonly associated signs include fever, which is a systemic response to infection; headache, which is often severe and can be debilitating; and stiff neck, which indicates irritation of the meninges and is a classic sign known as nuchal rigidity. While back pain can happen in various conditions, it does not directly correlate with the primary manifestations of meningitis, making it the correct choice for this question.