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Tender points are used by form of physical examination where the doctor applies pressure lightly to different parts of the body, this is usually painful for fibromyalgia patients.
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Is there a test for fibromyalgia?
There are currently no blood tests to determine Fibromyalgia. A diagnosis is typically made after other possible causes for the symptoms have been excluded and a medical examination has been done confirming the existence of tender points. There are 18 tender points used to diagnose Fibromyalgia, a Fibromyalgia diagnosis requires that the patient report pain in at least 11 of the 18 tender points (based on finger pressure). If there is not pain in at least 11 of the tender points, a physician may still diagnose Fibromyalgia if enough of the other common symptoms exist (including sleep disturbance, headaches, and IBS).
What spots are sore when you have fibromyalgia?
A person with Fibromyalgia can be sore or tender anywhere. There are eighteen specific "tender points" that were the basis of a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia until 2010. These tender points are spread throughout the body, in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips and legs. The "tender points" are not the only areas that may be tender or sore if someone has Fibromyalgia, they are just the ones that were used for diagnosis.
What is the testing for fibromyalgia?
Testing for fibromyalgia is mainly through physical examination. There are certain points on the body that elicit a lot of pain when pressed. A rheumatologist can make the diagnosis. It is considered an autoimmune disease by some and to date there is no blood test to diagnose it. Recently, there have been some studies that link a virus (saw this on Dr. Oz) to fibromyalgia. The vrus is XMRV...a retrovirus.
What are the Fibromyalgia pressure points what are they?
There are many spots, all over the body. This is one of the ways that doctors evaluate whether a person has Fibromyalgia and how severe it is. I looked up some information for you at these web sites:www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fibromyalgia.htmlwww.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079arthritis.about.com/library/quiz/blfibroknowledge.htm There are 18 tender points and the diagnoses is given if you have more than 8 of them. This test is far from full proof.There is another test said to be more accurate taking the blood pressure of FM sufferer. This also is not full proof but is another test less commonly used. Last of all is the new blood test that has come out and although also not 100% either, it is closer than the other two mentioned tests above because there is less chance of misdiagnoses If you have fibromyalgia and the doctor presses on those tender points... you will know!
Fibromyalgia Pain?
Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disease with a wide array of symptoms that vary from person to person. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still yet unknown. There is one main symptom common to everyone suffering from fibromyalgia, and that is widespread chronic pain.Fibromyalgia PainPain that is associated with fibromyalgia can also differ from one person to another. Aching all over different areas of the body is a prevalent complaint of patients afflicted with this condition. Some people experience pain in only distinct spots, while others have more wide-ranging pains throughout their entire body. Stiffness of the joints and muscles can also occur. The type and intensity of the pain can fluctuate and feel like deep muscle aches to just some tenderness in certain places. Fibromyalgia pain can also present itself as a burning sensation, throbbing, stinging or sharp stabbing discomforts. Occasionally those with fibromyalgia will be subjected to uncontrollable twitching of various muscles. Tingling sensations and numbness are also symptoms associated with fibromyalgia pain. Certain regions, known as tender points, are very sensitive to any pressure or touch in those with fibromyalgia.Fibromyalgia Tender PointsAfter certain diagnostics and blood screenings are used to rule out other serious conditions, testing a patient for tender points is used in the diagnosing of fibromyalgia. There are 18 distinctive tender points, and a person with fibromyalgia will feel excess pain when even mild pressure is applied in at least 11 of the 18 tender points. The locations of these 18 tender points are two spots on the front of the neck, two on the back of the neck, two on the front chest, four on the upper shoulder and shoulder blade areas, two in the elbow regions, four in the upper and lower buttocks/hips area, and two on the knees. People that are not affected by fibromyalgia are much less sensitive to being touched in these specific spots.Other Fibromyalgia SymptomsBesides the never-ending pain, there are many other symptoms that those with fibromyalgia must endure. Some of those symptoms include chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping, memory lapses, digestive problems, depression, headaches, dizziness, dry skin and eyes, and sensitivity to odors, lights and noises.
How do you assess for fibromyalgia?
There are two factors that doctors look at when assessing a patient for Fibromyalgia. First they have to rule out any other potential causes for the patients symptoms. This is done through comprehensive blood and imaging tests. Once other causes are ruled out the doctor look at the patients history and current symptoms. They also do a physical exam, usually applying pressure to 18 tender points throughout the body to see how the patient responds to light pressure on those areas. A combination of those factors will be used to determine if a Fibromyalgia diagnosis is appropriate.
What are the 18 checks for fibromyalgia?
Two points symmetrically on both sieds at these places. 1. Back of neck 2. Elbows 3. Front of neck 4. Hips 5. Lower back 6. Knees 7. Upper back 8. Shoulders 9. Chest Good gallery at link
Is Endocine medication used to treat fibromyalgia?
Yes. It is an anti-inflammatory drug which is used for fibromyalgia if determined necessary by your physician.
Why are pregabalin and methylcobalamin capsules used?
Prescribed for pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.
Can Gabapentin be used for fibromyalgia?
Seroquel is currently being used 'off list' for fibromyalgia. There has been one study made on it however, the results have not been released.
What does the medical abbreviation FMS mean?
FM is sometimes used to mean fibromyalgia.
How was fibromyalgia discovered?
The term fibromyalgia was coined by researcher Mohammed Yunus as a synonym for fibrositis and was first used in a scientific publication in 1981.
