Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. To diagnose fibromyalgia, your doctor may look for pain or tender points in several locations. These painful spots, also referred to as trigger or tender points, can change depending on the person and can typically be found in the following areas:
1. In the neck and shoulders
2. In the chest and rib cage
3. In the arms, including the elbows
4. In the back, including the lower back
5. In the buttocks
6. In the hips
7. In the thighs, including the upper thighs
8. On the outside of the knees
Along with triggers points, a doctor may also use additional tests to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, such as blood tests and imaging tests. Blood tests like a complete blood count (CBC) and a erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can help determine if a person has certain conditions that could be causing their symptoms.
Imaging tests, like an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound may also be used to rule out potential underlying conditions.
What do fibromyalgia trigger points feel like?
Fibromyalgia trigger points can feel like a deep, aching pain that may be difficult to describe. The trigger points can affect any part of the body, but are most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, arms, lower back, hips, and buttocks.
The pain is usually localized to the affected area and can be described as tender, sore, and as having a burning or aching sensation. Sufferers often experience an increase in pain when pressure is applied to a trigger point, as well as pain and other symptoms all over the body.
These symptoms can include fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, depression, and overall body pain that may be a combination of aching and burning sensations.
How do I know if my pain is fibromyalgia?
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic, widespread pain—meaning it’s felt on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. Other symptoms may include fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty focusing (also known as “fibro fog”), mood disturbances, and painful tender points—areas of the body that are particularly sensitive when touched.
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is usually based on symptoms and a thorough physical exam, as there is no single test for the condition. It is especially important to rule out any underlying diseases or conditions with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hypothyroidism, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other conditions.
Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for other causes of chronic pain, such as inflammation. If the diagnosis is still not definitive, you may be referred to a specialist to help determine the cause of your pain.
Keep in mind that fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that your doctor will rule out all other causes of your pain before making a definitive diagnosis.
How many tender points must be tender for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia?
The associated tender points required for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia vary depending on the criteria being used. Generally, the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria requires the presence of 11 or more out of the 18 tender points located throughout the body.
These specific tender points must be elicit pain when palpated with no more than 4kg/4kPa of pressure. These points are located in the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, elbows, knees and jaw. Additionally, it must be accompanied by tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 regions of tender points following a physical examination.
Furthermore, the patient must report widespread pain in all four quadrants of their body for at least three months prior.
Where are 18 tender points?
The 18 tender points are the 8 major tender points on the neck, the 4 major tender points on the chest, the 2 points along the midline of the spine, the 2 lower abdominal points, and the 1 point at the base of the head.
The 8 tender points on the neck are located on the upper trapezius and levator scapula muscles, just above the collarbone. The 4 tender points on the chest are located in the areas between the sternum and the shoulder blade.
The 2 points along the midline of the spine are located on either side of the spine at the level of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. The 2 lower abdominal points are located just below the navel. The 1 point at the base of the head is located in the middle of the skull just above the Occipital Protuberance.
Does fibromyalgia pain hurt to touch?
Yes, fibromyalgia pain usually does hurt to touch. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in certain areas of the body. The pain associated with fibromyalgia can range from mild and intermittent to severe and constant.
One hallmark of fibromyalgia is tenderness at certain localized points of the body, known as tender points, which can be sensitive to the touch. The pain that results from touching a sensitive area can be sharp, throbbing, burning, or deep.
In addition to pain from touching the tender points, some people may also experience more generalized pain in the muscles that is often described as feeling tight or aching.
Does fibromyalgia show up in blood tests?
No, fibromyalgia does not show up in blood tests. While there are tests to determine inflammation, hormone levels, certain nutrient deficiencies, and thyroid function, all of which may be related to fibromyalgia, there is no specific test to diagnose the condition.
Some doctors may order a variety of diagnostic tests to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms, however they are not diagnostic of fibromyalgia. A diagnosis is made based on a patient’s symptoms and physical and medical history.
As fibromyalgia has many different symptoms, a physician may conduct an extensive physical examination and tests such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain, an electromyogram (EMG) to measure muscular activity, and blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to check for inflammation.
In addition to physical exams and laboratory tests, a doctor may also ask about psychological distress, sleep quality, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing. Only after all the results are taken into account will a patient be diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Can I ask my doctor to test me for fibromyalgia?
Yes, you can certainly ask your doctor to test you for fibromyalgia. It is important to note that there is no single test that can diagnose fibromyalgia, so a medical professional will make the diagnosis based on a combination of factors.
Your doctor may start by completing a full medical history and physical exam, ruling out diseases with similar symptoms, and then assessing symptoms. Other tests may be conducted such as blood tests, x-rays, or MRI scans to rule out other potential causes.
To diagnose fibromyalgia, a doctor may also use a questionnaire to assess the number of tender points present in the body. If these criteria are met, a fibromyalgia diagnosis is made. It is important to note that if you believe you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should discuss this with your doctor to receive the appropriate medical advice.
Should I tell my doctor if I think I have fibromyalgia?
Yes, you should definitely tell your doctor if you think you have fibromyalgia. The first step towards getting the right diagnosis and treatment is to talk to your doctor and explain your symptoms. Your doctor will need to complete a comprehensive physical exam, evaluate your medical history and conduct diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose fibromyalgia and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
It is important to provide your doctor with as much information as possible to ensure they have a full picture of your symptoms. This could include tracking your symptoms in a diary, providing information on anything that helps or worsens your symptoms, and any medications or treatments you have already tried.
Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor can discuss with you the best treatment plan for you, which could include prescription medications, physical therapies, stress management techniques and lifestyle changes.
Is fibromyalgia an official diagnosis?
Yes, fibromyalgia is an official diagnosis recognized by the medical community. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in multiple sites.
It can also cause a range of other symptoms such as depression, difficulty sleeping, and trouble concentrating. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on physical examination, lab tests, and a patient’s medical history.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, a doctor may use the criteria of widespread pain index, symptom severity scale, and the tender points test in order to diagnose fibromyalgia. Although there is still much to learn about fibromyalgia, treatment is available and can help lessen symptoms.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, psychotherapy, stress management, and support groups.
At what age is fibromyalgia usually diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed at any age, and is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20-50. It is possible to be diagnosed at an earlier age though, sometimes as early as the teenage years or even the childhood years.
However, it is more likely that it will take longer for diagnosis because of how varied and difficult to pinpoint the symptoms can be. Diagnosis in younger people may be more challenging because symptoms can be misdiagnosed or attributed to other conditions.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment is important for a successful management of the condition. It is also important for those affected to have a better understanding of fibromyalgia to ensure they find the best treatment for their individual condition.
What is fibromyalgia pain scale?
The fibromyalgia pain scale was created to help measure and monitor pain levels in those diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic muscle pain and fatigue. It is a 0-10 scale, in which 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable.
Patients are asked to rate their current pain levels by assigning a number from 0 to 10. This can be done multiple times a day to track pain patterns over time and provide feedback to the healthcare provider.
Other symptoms, such as fatigue and difficulty sleeping, can also be assessed with this scale. It is important to note that the fibromyalgia pain scale is different than a standard pain scale and should not be used to assess pain levels in those without fibromyalgia.
How serious is fibromyalgia pain?
Fibromyalgia pain is often described as chronic, pervasive, and severely debilitating. It can interfere with activities of daily living, such as sleeping, eating, and even getting dressed. Fibromyalgia pain ranges in intensity, from mild to severe.
The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain. This type of pain may be experienced as a dull or throbbing ache, usually in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and arms. Studies have also found that people with fibromyalgia may experience higher levels of pain in response to touch, pressure, and movement.
Other associated symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and morning stiffness. Emotional and mental problems, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability, are also common in people with fibromyalgia.
The pain is often unpredictable, sometimes worsening during certain periods and easing during other times. The pain of fibromyalgia can be aggravated by stress, overactivity, dampness or cold weather, or physical exertion.
Therefore, it is important to manage stress, get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Is fibromyalgia a disability?
Fibromyalgia is considered a disability in the US, as it typically severely impacts how a person functions in various aspects of their life. People who have fibromyalgia generally suffer with chronic pain and fatigue, as well as disrupted sleep, cognitive problems, and depression.
These symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily activities such as working, taking care of the household, or completing schoolwork. A person with fibromyalgia can experience varying levels of symptom severity that can range from mild to severe.
The US Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes fibromyalgia as a disability, and many people with this condition qualify for disability benefits. To qualify for disability benefits, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having a diagnosis from a healthcare provider and being able to prove that their impairment limits their capacity to perform basic daily activities.
For those seeking to access disability benefits, it is important to note that the Social Security Administration does not consider fibromyalgia a disability in and of itself. Instead, they must assess the disability in terms of the functional limitations it imposes on the individual.
This means that they must consider how the individual’s fibromyalgia symptoms limit their daily activities and ability to work.