Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and issues with memory and mood. Tender points in fibromyalgia are areas of pain located around joints, but not within the joints themselves. They tend to be symmetrical in the body, found both above and below the waist around areas like the neck, chest, and shoulders. We spoke to our expert Dr Raghavendra H, Consultant–Rheumatologist, Manipal Hospital, Hebbal, Bengaluru, who explained these tender points and how to diagnose them.
Fibromyalgia and Its Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a pain amplification syndrome commonly observed in females, though it can also occur in males. According to StatPearls, fibromyalgia is more prevalent in women than in men, with the occurrence rate in the United States at 6.4% (7.7% in women and 4.9% in men). The likelihood of developing fibromyalgia is greater if one has an existing rheumatic disease.
“These tender points are specific body areas that can feel unusually sensitive or painful when pressure is applied. There is no particular age group for this condition, but primary fibromyalgia is typically seen in individuals between the ages of 20-40,” said Dr Raghavendra.
Identifying Tender Points in Fibromyalgia
“These points are often located in soft tissues, such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and knees. When evaluating a patient for fibromyalgia, healthcare providers may apply gentle pressure to these areas to assess for tenderness, which can help diagnose the condition,” added Dr Raghavendra.
According to a 2006 study, 90% of fibromyalgia patients experience jaw and facial tenderness, often feeling pain when opening or closing their mouths, and may describe their jaws as feeling tight. Additionally, 50% of these patients are sensitive to environmental factors, such as odour, noise, and bright lights.
Secondary Fibromyalgia and Its Association with Other Conditions
However, it is quite rare; most cases of fibromyalgia are secondary to other health conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and various autoimmune or arthritis-related disorders.
“In fibromyalgia, there is a reduction in the overall pain threshold at the brain level, leading to increased sensitivity to pain throughout the body. This results in generalised or widespread pain,” said Dr Raghavendra.
Also Read: Lavender Oil For Fibromyalgia Pain: Expert Explains How This Oil Help In Managing The Pain
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
During clinical evaluation, specific tender points are often identified. If a patient has a certain number of these tender points along with widespread pain, they are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. There are no laboratory tests or investigative modalities to identify this condition; the diagnosis is purely based on the patient's history and clinical examination.
Fibromyalgia is commonly characterised by widespread pain and numerous tender points throughout the body. Another prevalent symptom is significant fatigue, which can be disproportionately severe compared to other clinical conditions.
Dr Raghavendra added, “For instance, individuals with thyroid disorders or diabetes may experience some fatigue, however, if they maintain good control over these primary diseases and still exhibit pronounced fatigue and widespread pain during physical evaluation, they may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In such cases, fibromyalgia is considered secondary to the primary conditions.”
Impact of Fibromyalgia on Overall Well-Being
In rare cases, fibromyalgia can be a primary condition, but it often arises secondary to other health issues, such as thyroid disorders or diabetes. “When it is secondary, fibromyalgia can cause severe fatigue, widespread pain, and cognitive disturbances, including 'fibro fog,' which results in difficulty with thoughts and memory. Patients with this condition may also experience sleep issues,” said Dr Raghavendra. Overall, fibromyalgia can significantly impact a person's overall well-being, affecting not only physical health but mental clarity as well.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]