Fibromyalgia Tender Points
(c) 2006 Karen Lee Richards licensed to About.com, Inc.
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia must be made by a qualified physician (often a rheumatologist) who is familiar with the illness. In 1990 the American College of Rheumatology established the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. In addition to running tests to exclude other possible illnesses, the following diagnostic criteria must exist.
Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: Because other illnesses must first be excluded, getting a diagnosis can take several months.
Here's How:
- A history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months.
- Pain in at least 11 of 18 designated tender points when the doctor applies four kilograms of pressure. (See diagram.)
Tips:
- Please note: tender point locations in diagram are approximate.
Source: Fibromyalgia, National Fibromyalgia Associataion, 2005.
