An intense pain in the low back on passively stretching the quadriceps with the client in a prone position indicates a problem in the L3 nerve root compression. This is because the L3 nerve root supplies sensation and motor function to the quadriceps muscles. When there is compression or irritation of the L3 nerve root, it can cause pain in the low back when the quadriceps are stretched. This suggests that there may be a nerve-related issue rather than a problem with the low back muscles, sacroiliac ligaments, or tight quadriceps muscles.