Although fibromyalgia can’t be detected through a blood test or X-ray, your doctor can perform a "tender point" exam as a tool for diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based on whether or not the patient meets the criteria established by The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1990. According to the ACR, the following criteria must be met:

• History of chronic widespread pain for at least three months
• Patients must exhibit pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points

To be considered widespread, the pain must meet all of the following:

• Pain in both sides of the body
• Pain above and below the waist
• Pain in the axial skeletal area (cervical spine, anterior chest, thoracic spine, or low back)
• Pain (not just tenderness) in at least 11 of 18 tender point sites (see the illustration) when the doctor applies pressure (palpation) on the site

Illustration of Tender Points

For various reasons, many people with fibromyalgia struggle with their symptoms for many years before being diagnosed. Some relief can be felt in just knowing there is a name for their pain, that fibromyalgia is not terminal, and that they can finally begin to focus on specific ways to actually begin to manage and treat their symptoms.