Fibromyalgia

There are no specific tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It often is diagnosed when other disorders with similar symptoms of chronic pain have been ruled out with lab tests. Your doctor will also ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.

The formal criteria used to diagnose fibromyalgia include:¹

• Widespread pain that has been present for at least 3 months. Pain is considered to be widespread if it is above and below your waist, and on the right and left sides of your body.
• Pain and tenderness at 11 or more of 18 specific spots, usually occurring only when the areas are pressed. Experts call these tender points, but you may also hear them called trigger points. (Some people may have fewer than 11 tender points but still may have fibromyalgia.)

Other symptoms typical of fibromyalgia include stiffness, fatigue, headaches, painful menstrual periods, and sleep difficulties. These may get worse with increased stress, anxiety, exertion, or changes in the weather.

A person may not meet these formal criteria but may still have fibromyalgia. That is why diagnosis can be so difficult.