Fibromyalgia Tender Points

Fibromyalgia is a common condition in which people experience pain points and tenderness around joints. In addition to tender points, exhaustion, depression and widespread muscle pain are also symptoms. The tender points are crucial in making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
The tender points are not deep or large areas of pain. According to Web MD, they are approximately penny-sized and hurt at the top of this skin rather than deep below. If pressure is placed at tender point, the person will experience pain and may flinch.
The exact cause of tender points are unknown, however they tend to occur in specific places in patients with fibromyalgia. There are eighteen specific points that are used when diagnosing fibromyalgia. These include two on the knees, two on the front of the elbows, two on the front upper neck, two on the lower front neck, six in a circle on the back of the neck, two in the sides of the lower back and two just under the buttocks on the back.
When testing a patient for fibromyalgia , a doctor will place pressure on these as well as on other parts of the body to make sure that you do not react to everything. They may use their hands or a doximeter or dolorimeter to place pressure on the points. These instruments allow them to produce just the right amount of pressure. If eleven of the eighteen aforementioned points show a reaction when pressed and widespread pain has occurred for at least three months, then a diagnosis of fibromyalgia may be made.
There are different types of treatments that look to relieve some of the pain experienced in tender points. Small doses of antidepressants are sometimes effective in aiding with the pain. Other treatments the doctor may prescribe include medications, exercise, rest, hydrotherapy with heat and ice and regular management of stress.
Some people try other remedies at home to try to reduce the pain of tender points. In certain cases, massage can help some people to feel better. Being relaxed and free of stress can also aid in the pain management. Getting enough rest can also make a difference. It is also important to stay away (to the best of their ability) from things that can exacerbate the pain at tender points, which includes depression, anxiety, weather changes, physical exhaustion, infections, and more.
Fibromyalgia can cause pain in and around tender points. It is important for those suffering from this condition to understand what can be done to help them feel better.