Tender Points

The tender points associated with fibromyalgia are the basic tool of achieving a diagnosis. These tender points are very painful when touched, but there is not any evidence of inflammation or other abnormalities. As shown in the picture below, there are 18 tender points used for diagnosis. Doctors will test the points and if pain is felt in 11 or more of the points as shown below, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is imminent.

The use of tender points as a diagnosis tool is up to the discretion of the doctor. Some may also look at whether the patient has ruled out other causes of the pain through lab tests. Then, a doctor may use a number less than 11 when making a diagnosis. The important thing to remember is not to be shy about the pain you feel as your doctor applies pressure to these tender points. As you are tested, honestly respond as to your pain level so that an accurate diagnosis can be achieved.

There are some issues with using this as the only criteria for determining if someone suffers from fibro. This is a condition that changes from day to day. Some sufferers feel fine one day and then have symptoms the next. So, you may not feel pain in 11 of those points on any given day. If a doctor is rigid in his interpretation of the tender points, this may leave someone walking away with a misdiagnosis. I did not suffer from a large number of tender points, but due to process of elimination my doctor still made a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

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