Fibromyalgia - Diagnosis

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 diagnosis of fibromyalgia, these tender sites are not typically accompanied by signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, or heat in the joints and soft tissue. The pressure points may also change in location and sensitivity over time. A doctor, then, may recheck pressure 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, then 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. Follow-up psychological profile testing may be suggested if laboratory results do not indicate a specific disease.

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