Fibromyalgia Tender Points

Fibromyalgia refers to a disorder where there is severe widespread pain and a 'more than normal' response to pressure. It basically affects the soft tissues and is also termed as muscular rheumatism. Consequently, there are certain points in joints, muscles, tendons as well along with soft tissues. It can develop on its own or can affect the body in tandem with other conditions, mainly musculoskeletal in nature, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. These trigger points become very sensitive and very vulnerable to pressure in fibromyalgia. The interesting part here is that this does not cause any type of joint deformity. Thus, let us take a look at these points.

Causes of Fibromyalgia
Before we take a look at the actual tender points in fibromyalgia, the causes need to be understood. The cause of the tenderness of specific points and widespread body pain is actually unknown. There are, however, a few theories that have been formulated which might lead to understanding fibromyalgia. Apparently, physical or emotional trauma might be a cause of fibromyalgia. Another theory is that genetic factors also could be leading to fibromyalgia. Deficient growth hormone secretion and abnormal serotonin metabolism are another possible causes of fibromyalgia. Psychological factors like stress too can lead to fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Tender Points
These are certain spots on the body at 9 bilateral location counting to 18 points, which are extremely sensitive to touch. A person is believed to have fibromyalgia if out of these 18, the patient experiences pain in at least 11. These points are localized areas of tenderness near the joints and not on the joints. These are seemingly under the surface of the skin, like areas over the elbow or shoulder. Fibromyalgia trigger points are those which can cause pain even at rest. There is a spreading or radiating pain when it is a trigger point. It may occur in the skeletal muscle, unlike tender points, which are asymmetrically located. Here are the tender points in fibromyalgia -

• Low cervical region - Front neck area
• Second rib - front portion of the chest
• Trapezius muscle - back shoulder area
• Supraspinatus Muscle - shoulder blade area
• Lateral epicondyle - elbow area
• Gluteal - rear end
• Greater trochanter - rear hip
• Knee

These were the 9 points which are most prominently affected during fibromyalgia. Along with their counterparts on the opposite side of the body, these come up to the 18 points previously mentioned. Studies say that the pain in these points differs from day-to-day. This has supposedly lead the researcher to contend the diagnostic validity of considering 11 points as a way to diagnose this condition. All said and done, these tender points should not be confused with myofascial trigger points. Those are caused by myofascial pain, which is something different from fibromyalgia. These can be identified through touch and can crop up anywhere on your body. Moreover, these can be easily treated, whereas tender points as a result of fibromyalgia are a part of larger picture. A fibromyalgia tender points chart can prove helpful to identify the problem areas.

Treatment
Treatment is dependent on the test and how serious the condition is. The diagnosis needs to have a history of a minimum 3 months of the widespread body pain. Laboratory and x-ray tests are normally done to affirm that a patient has fibromyalgia and to rule out other disorders mimicking the symptoms of this problem. Some of such disorders are cancer, hypothyroidism, Lyme disease, HIV infection, sleep disorder, rheumatoid arthritis and a few other diseases. But coming back to treatment, if the symptoms are mild, there is a fair chance that they can be treated with lifestyle changes and reducing stress. Actually there is no single course of treatment for reducing the symptoms. Patient education, physical therapy, counseling and medication together has been proved to be effective to treat fibromyalgia. As far as medication is concerned, sometimes specific classes of anti depressant medication are prescribed as a part of the treatment.

All in all, a healthy lifestyle, comprising balanced diet, exercise and keeping stress at bay is the best way to deal with fibromyalgia. This of course is not to say that there is no need to see the doctor! Consult the doctor as soon as possible and get the problem treated. Take Care!