Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread chronic muscle pain and tenderness. This condition is often accompanied by other debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, memory problems and mood swings. Although there is no cure, fibromyalgia is medically manageable through a combination of pain medications, behavioral health therapies, interventional pain treatments and more. Before treatment can be sought, however, physicians must be able to determine whether or not fibromyalgia is to blame for pain symptoms patients are experiencing.
As alluded to previously, fibromyalgia is a difficult condition to diagnose because pain, in general, is a highly personal experience that differs for everyone. While some individuals encounter chronic pain that affects one side or area of the body, there are some people who experience widespread, whole-body pain, weakness and discomfort. This puzzlement led to the development of fibromyalgia pain point guidelines, which was created by the American College of Rheumatology.
These recommendations help physicians diagnose fibromyalgia by identifying 18 tender points (9 pairs) on the body, 11 of which produce pain when applied with a certain amount of pressure. The chart, which is included in this article, pinpoints the different areas affected by fibromyalgia pain. Test this theory out yourself! If you have fibromyalgia, you may be suffering from pain in the following regions.
Back of the Neck
Pain in the back of the neck, usually where the base of the skull and neck meet
Front of the Neck
Pain at the front of the neck on either side of the larynx, above the collarbone
Upper Back
Pain in the back muscles that connect to the shoulder blade in teh upper back
Shoulders
Pain near the edge of the shoulder and bottom of the neck
Chest
Pain located on either side of the sternum below the collarbone
Forearms
Pain or tenderness near the crease of the elbows
Low Back
Pain or tenderness at the top of the buttocks and bottom of the low back
Knees
Pain on the pad of skin and tissue on the back of the knees
Buttocks and Thighs
Pain below the buttocks muscles in the areas where they join the thighs
Highlights:
- Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that is difficult for many physicians to diagnose.
- Although tough, there are certain tender points, or fibromyalgia pain points, along the body that help doctors diagnose the condition.
- The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center explain what fibromyalgia pain points are and how they help identify this disabling disease.
If chronic pain is keeping you from doing the things you want, it's time to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to. To schedule an appointment, click here!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician's advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.