Fibromyalgia Tests and Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms, the expert team at Banner Health is here to help ensure you get the correct diagnosis. Contact us to schedule an appointment anytime.

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed? 

Fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed through a simple and straightforward test as some other ailments can. The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is inflammation in the brain that leads to complications with the pain nerves and how the brain processes pain. This means that confirming fibromyalgia must be confirmed through specific groups of symptoms.

If you have the symptom criteria associated with fibromyalgia, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Blood tests should include:

• Blood count
• Red blood cell testing
• Thyroid testing
• Vitamin D testing 

Banner Health patients are also given physical exams of muscles and joints, as well as neurological exams to eliminate the presence of other possible conditions. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is typically confirmed through these diagnostic criteria, including the assessment of tender points.

Understanding Fibromyalgia “Tender Points” and Trigger Points

Fibromyalgia causes both widespread pain and additional pain in specific areas of the body commonly referred to as “tender points.” These 18 tender points, which include areas around the joints, sides of the body and the base of the skull, are essential in diagnosing fibromyalgia and distinguishing it from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Medical professionals follow criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology, which include the assessment of these tender points, to confirm a diagnosis. The criteria include evaluating symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as:

• Chronic widespread pain, known as fibromyalgia pain, which affects various parts of the body
• Additional symptoms as a result of this pain including fatigue, flu-like symptoms and difficulty concentrating 
• The absence of another cause of the pain   

People with fibromyalgia may also have "trigger points." These are spots in muscles, tendons or ligaments that hurt when pressed. Trigger points can cause pain in specific areas and contribute to overall pain in fibromyalgia. Unlike tender points, which follow a set pattern for diagnosis, trigger points can appear in different places.

Understanding the difference between tender points and trigger points is important for diagnosing and managing fibromyalgia symptoms effectively.

Additional Health Problems

Fibromyalgia can lead to several other health issues that often accompany the condition:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Many individuals with fibromyalgia also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation associated with IBS.
• Headaches: Chronic headaches, including migraines, are common among people with fibromyalgia.
• Jaw pain and stiffness: Some individuals may experience pain or stiffness in the jaw, often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
• Depression, anxiety and mood issues: Fibromyalgia can affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety or mood swings.

These additional health problems can further impact the quality of life for individuals living with fibromyalgia. It's important for patients to discuss all symptoms with their health care providers to receive comprehensive care and management strategies.

What’s the Correlation Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep?

Another hallmark of fibromyalgia is difficulties with healthy sleep habits. Even if people with fibromyalgia have slept for 7-8 hours, they often wake up extremely tired. Difficulties with sleep, along with other common symptoms can also help to confirm a diagnosis. 

Identifying Fibromyalgia Through Triggers

For both identification purposes as well as treatment options it is important to understand the triggers that may cause a flare-up in fibromyalgia. Common triggers include:

• Stress, both physical and emotional
• Lack of sleep
• Changes in temperature and weather
• Menstrual cycle
• Illness or injury

Be sure to talk with your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing or if you have any questions about getting tested for fibromyalgia. 

If you’re experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms, the expert team at Banner Health is here to help ensure you get the correct diagnosis. For comprehensive information on fibromyalgia treatment and care, including management strategies and therapeutic options tailored to your needs, visit our dedicated page on fibromyalgia treatment and care. Our goal is to provide you with the support and expertise you need to manage your health effectively.