Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of a least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 tender-point sites. These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Rib cage
- Lower back
- Thighs
- Knees
- Arms (elbows)
- Buttocks
Sometimes, laboratory and x-ray tests are done to help confirm the diagnosis. The tests will also rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.
A number of tests may be done to rule out other disorders. Chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis may also be present. New patients should be checked for these underlying conditions as well as fibromyalgia.
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