Exams and Tests
There are no specific tests that can
confirm a diagnosis of
fibromyalgia. You will likely have
lab tests to make sure that you don't have another condition causing your symptoms. Your doctor will also ask questions about your
and do a
physical exam.
Doctors use a set of criteria
to diagnose fibromyalgia. Your doctor will look for:
- 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. The pain usually occurs only when the
areas are pressed. Experts call these
. But you may also hear them called trigger points. (Some people
may have fewer than 11 tender points but still may have fibromyalgia.)
A person may not meet these criteria but may still
have fibromyalgia. That is why diagnosis can be so difficult.