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Fibromyalgia

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibromyalgia.

Alternative Names

Fibromyositis; Fibrositis; Myofascial pain syndrome

Diagnosis

There is no obvious, objective method for diagnosing fibromyalgia. The criteria used for studying fibromyalgia are very helpful, particularly if the patient does not have any accompanying disorder, such as depression or arthritis, which could complicate the diagnosis. Failure to meet the criteria, however, does not rule out fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia should be suspected in any patient with muscle and joint pain when no identifiable cause has been found.

Criteria for Classifying Fibromyalgia In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) set the following criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia: A. Widespread pain must be present for at least 3 months. This pain must appear in all of the following locations: Both sides of the body Above and below the waist Along the length of the spine B. Pain in at least 11 of 18 specific areas called tender points on the body. The pain experienced when pressing on a tender point is very localized and intensely painful (not just tender). Tender points are located in the following areas: The left or right side of the back of the neck, directly below the hairline The left or right side of the front of the neck, above the collar bone (clavicle) The left or right side of the chest, right below the collar bone The left or right side of the upper back, near where the neck and shoulder join The left or right side of the spine in the upper back between the shoulder blades (scapula) The inside of either arm, where it bends at the elbow The left or right side of the lower back, right below the waist Either side of the buttocks below the hip bones Either knee cap Other Factors. The ACR classification provides a guideline, but doctors will also use a patient's medical history and other symptoms in reaching a diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is often diagnosed when other diseases have been excluded. Long-term symptoms that may indicate fibromyalgia include: Morning stiffness Fatigue Sleep disturbance Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet Headache

Medical and Personal History

A doctor should always take a careful personal and family medical history, which would include a psychological profile and a history of any factors that might be indicative of disorders other than fibromyalgia. Such factors might include recent weight change, physical injuries, infectious diseases, muscle weakness, rashes, and any instances of sexual, physical, or substance or alcohol abuse. Patients should report any drugs they take, including vitamins and over-the-counter or herbal medications.

Physical Examination

Pressure on Tender Spots. Any physical examination for fibromyalgia requires that the doctor press firmly on all potential tender spots. They must be painful when pressed, not simply tender. In addition, for a doctor to reach a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, these tender sites should normally not show signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, or heat in the joints and soft tissue). The tender points may also change in location and sensitivity over time. A doctor, then, may recheck tender points that do not respond the first time, in patients who have other significant symptoms.

Detection of Other Causes of Symptoms. A physical examination also includes scrutiny of nails, skin, mucous membranes, joints, spine, muscles, and bones to help rule out arthritis, thyroid disease, and other disorders.

Other Tests

There are no blood, urine, or other laboratory tests that can provide a definitive diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If such tests show abnormal results, the doctor should look for other disorders. Tests for specific diseases depend on family histories and other symptoms. They may include thyroid and liver function tests, blood count, tests of certain antibodies, and sedimentation rate. The doctor may suggest follow-up psychological profile testing, if laboratory results do not indicate a specific disease.

• Review Date: 12/15/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

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