Getting the right diagnosis is an important first step in understanding your symptoms. At Banner Health, our team uses a thorough evaluation to help confirm fibromyalgia and rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. If you think you may have fibromyalgia, we’re here to help.
Fibromyalgia does not show up on a single test. Instead, providers diagnose it based on a pattern of symptoms, a physical exam and tests that rule out other medical problems. Fibromyalgia is linked to changes in how the brain and nervous system process pain, which is why the diagnosis focuses on your overall symptom history.
During your visit, your provider will review:
Your provider may order blood work to rule out conditions such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies or autoimmune disorders.
Common labs may include:
A physical exam of your muscles, joints and nervous system also helps identify other causes of chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia can cause two kinds of pain areas: tender points and trigger points.
Tender points are specific spots around the body that feel painful when pressed. Historically, the American College of Rheumatology described 18 tender points, including areas near the neck, shoulders, chest, elbows, hips and knees.
While diagnosis today relies more on overall symptoms than tender point counts, tender points can still support the diagnosis and help distinguish fibromyalgia from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Trigger points are different. They are tight, irritable spots in muscles or connective tissue that can cause pain both where you press and in other parts of the body. Unlike tender points, trigger point locations vary from person to person.
Understanding the difference helps your provider identify the pain patterns linked to fibromyalgia and tailor your treatment plan.
Many people with fibromyalgia experience additional health issues, often called comorbid conditions. These can add to overall discomfort or make symptoms more challenging to manage.
Common related conditions include:
Sharing the full picture of your symptoms with your provider helps guide treatment and provides a more complete diagnosis.
Poor sleep is one of the most common challenges for people with fibromyalgia. Even after a full night of sleep, many people wake up feeling unrefreshed or exhausted.
Sleep difficulties can include:
Because sleep and pain are closely connected, sleep problems can help confirm a diagnosis and play a major role in managing symptoms.
Flare-ups can happen when symptoms suddenly increase. Knowing your triggers helps you and your provider create a plan to reduce flares and improve daily comfort.
Common triggers include:
Tracking symptoms can help you see patterns and identify what makes you feel better or worse.
If you’ve been experiencing widespread pain, fatigue or other symptoms for several months, it may be time to see a provider. Early evaluation can help rule out other conditions, reduce frustration and get you started on a treatment plan that supports your long-term well-being.
Banner Health offers comprehensive testing, diagnosis and ongoing support for people with fibromyalgia. To learn about treatment options, visit our fibromyalgia treatment and care page or schedule an appointment with a Banner specialist.
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