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Technical Information: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibromyalgia.

Edited By: Gregory C. Gardner, M.D.
Last updated Friday, January 07, 2005

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About fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a constellation of symptoms and signs that includes widespread body pain (above and below the waist and on both sides of the body) for at least 3 months, and the presence of tender points in characteristic locations of the body. The patient should identify these points as painful (not just pressure) when pressure of 4 kg is applied. This is about equal to the thumbnail turning white when pushing on one of the tender points. For study purposes, 11 of the 18 agreed upon tender points need to be present for classification as FMS (see chart for location of tender points). Common associated features include fatigue, disturbed sleep (patient waking feeling unrefreshed), and exercise intolerance (physical activity may exacerbate symptoms).

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