Fibromyalgia 11 Points: Tender Point Guide

Robert S. Rentz Apr 13, 2025 Apr 13, 2025 7 min read

fibromyalgia 11 points

Fibromyalgia 11 Points: Tender Point Guide

Reader, do you ever feel widespread pain and tenderness, but struggle to pinpoint the source? Do you suspect you might have fibromyalgia? Understanding the 11 tender points associated with fibromyalgia is crucial for diagnosis and management. This guide will delve into these critical points, offering valuable insights for both patients and healthcare professionals. As an expert in AI and SEO content, I’ve analyzed the complexities of “Fibromyalgia 11 Points: Tender Point Guide,” consolidating essential information to help you navigate this often-misunderstood condition.

This comprehensive guide aims to empower you with knowledge, equipping you with the tools to discuss your symptoms effectively with your doctor. It’s important to remember that this information is for educational purposes and doesn’t replace professional medical advice.

Understanding Fibromyalgia Tender Points

Explaining the significance of tender points in fibromyalgia diagnosis.

What are Tender Points?

Tender points, unlike trigger points which cause referred pain, are specific areas of the body that are unusually sensitive to pressure in individuals with fibromyalgia. These points aren’t necessarily painful on their own, but when pressure is applied, they elicit a distinct tenderness. This tenderness is a hallmark symptom of fibromyalgia, and its presence helps distinguish it from other conditions with similar symptoms.

Historically, the presence of a certain number of tender points was a key diagnostic criterion for fibromyalgia. However, newer diagnostic criteria focus more on widespread pain and other symptoms, rather than solely relying on tender points. Even though tender points are no longer the primary focus for diagnosis, they remain a significant indicator and can provide valuable information about the individual’s pain experience.

Identifying these tender points can help individuals communicate their symptoms more effectively to their healthcare providers, leading to a better understanding of their condition and a more targeted treatment plan. The location and sensitivity of these points can also help track the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of different therapies.

The 11 Tender Points and Their Locations

The 11 tender points associated with Fibromyalgia 11 Points: Tender Point Guide are distributed symmetrically on both sides of the body. They are located at specific anatomical landmarks, making them relatively easy to identify during a physical examination. These locations include the back of the neck, the inner elbows, the front of the hips, and the inner knees, among others.

Each tender point is examined by applying a consistent amount of pressure. A positive tender point is one that elicits a recognizable tenderness or pain upon palpation. The number of positive tender points can help assess the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions.

Understanding the locations of these tender points is crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals. It enables patients to better articulate their pain and understand the nature of their condition. For healthcare professionals, knowing these points allows for more effective diagnosis and monitoring of fibromyalgia.

The Role of Tender Points in Diagnosis

While no longer the sole diagnostic criteria, tender points still play a role in understanding Fibromyalgia 11 Points: Tender Point Guide. They provide valuable insights into the patient’s experience of pain and can help differentiate fibromyalgia from other conditions with similar symptoms. Although the 11 tender points are no longer the primary focus of diagnosis, their presence remains a significant indicator and can help confirm a diagnosis when considered alongside other symptoms.

The American College of Rheumatology previously used tender points as a key diagnostic criterion for fibromyalgia. The newer diagnostic criteria now emphasize widespread pain and other symptoms like fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. This holistic approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of fibromyalgia.

Despite the shift in diagnostic criteria, assessing tender points can still be a helpful tool for clinicians. It provides a tangible way to measure and track pain sensitivity, offering a more objective element to the diagnostic process. Understanding the role of tender points in diagnosis ensures a more comprehensive assessment of the individual’s condition.

Locating the 11 Fibromyalgia Tender Points

A detailed visual and descriptive guide to the 11 tender points.

Occiput:

Located at the base of the skull, where the muscles attach. These two points are often sensitive in people with tension headaches, which are common in fibromyalgia.

Applying gentle pressure can reveal tenderness. These points are important in assessing pain and discomfort related to the head and neck.

Their location makes them relevant for understanding the overall pain profile of someone with fibromyalgia.

Low Cervical:

Found in the front of the neck, just above the clavicle, these points are often tender in individuals with fibromyalgia.

These points are symmetrical, with one on each side of the neck. They can be identified by palpating the area gently.

Tenderness in these areas can contribute to neck pain and stiffness.

Trapezius:

Located at the top of the shoulder, these points are involved in supporting the weight of the arms and head.

Tenderness here can contribute to shoulder and upper back pain, a common complaint in fibromyalgia.

These points are located near major muscle groups and are important for assessing upper body discomfort.

Supraspinatus:

Just above the shoulder blade, near the spine. This muscle is involved in arm movement and can be a source of pain.

Its proximity to the shoulder joint makes it a key area for assessing pain and movement limitations.

This point is relevant for understanding limitations in arm and shoulder function.

Second Costochondral Junction

Focus on the chest area and its relation to fibromyalgia pain.

Understanding the Junction:

This specific tender point relates to the area where the second rib meets the cartilage connecting it to the sternum (breastbone). This junction is important because it’s a common area of tenderness for people with fibromyalgia.

Due to the location of this junction, tenderness here can sometimes be mistaken for heart-related pain. This highlights the importance of a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

Understanding the second costochondral junction can help patients better communicate their symptoms and differentiate them from other potential causes of chest pain.

Pain and Tenderness:

Pain in this area can manifest as a sharp, aching, or burning sensation. The tenderness can be elicited by applying gentle pressure to the junction. This sensitivity is a key characteristic of fibromyalgia.

Because the chest area houses vital organs, any pain experienced here can be distressing. It’s crucial to differentiate between fibromyalgia-related chest pain and cardiac issues.

Proper assessment by a physician can help determine the cause of the pain and guide appropriate treatment.

Connection to Fibromyalgia:

While not everyone with fibromyalgia experiences tenderness at this specific point, it’s a commonly reported location of pain. The inclusion of this point in the tender point assessment helps in the overall evaluation of fibromyalgia symptoms.

The second costochondral junction, along with other tender points, provides a more complete picture of the individual’s pain experience. This helps healthcare providers make a more accurate diagnosis.

Understanding the connection between this tender point and fibromyalgia helps patients better understand their condition and manage their symptoms effectively.

Lateral Epicondyle, Medial Epicondyle, Greater Trochanter, Gluteal, and Knee Tender Points

Covering additional key tender points and their significance.

Lateral and Medial Epicondyle (Elbow):

These are bony prominences on the outer (lateral) and inner (medial) sides of the elbow. Tenderness in these areas is often associated with repetitive strain injuries, but can also be a significant indicator of fibromyalgia.

Pain in these areas can affect grip strength and daily activities involving arm movements. It is important to differentiate between fibromyalgia-related elbow pain and other potential causes like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.

Assessing tenderness at these points can help determine the source of pain and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Greater Trochanter (Hip):

This is the bony prominence on the outside of the hip. Tenderness in this area can contribute to hip pain and difficulty with walking or other activities that involve hip movement.

Pain and tenderness in this area can sometimes be mistaken for other hip conditions. It is important to consider fibromyalgia as a potential cause of hip pain, especially when accompanied by other fibromyalgia symptoms.

Assessing tenderness at the greater trochanter can provide valuable information in the diagnostic process.