Typically, the patient must have a history of widespread pain in excess of three months. There must be pain on the left and right side of the body, and pain above and below the waist. There must also be axial-skeletal pain. There must be pain present in 11 of the 18 established tender-point sites. The patient must note pain with digital palpation, not just tenderness.
Treatment has to be individualistic and holistic.
The doctor should discuss with the patient the expected sequela and the treatment that could be of help. Treatment should consist of general vitamin and supplemental support, as well as calcium and a proper healthy diet. Non-medicinal treatment should include a thorough examination and proper diagnosis. Prognosis is poor for the fibromyalgic patient without early intervention. Therefore, gradual progression into an appropriately designed aerobic and conditioning program as early as possible is considered the most important treatment protocol.