Medical researchers have just begun to untangle the truths about this life-altering syndrome. FM is not new - the condition has been around for many years. These Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia were published in the peer reviewed medical journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, Vol. History of widespread pain in all four body quadrants for a minimum of three months. Pain in 11 of 18 tender points on digital palpation.
Tender points are anatomical locations that have reproducable tenderness upon palpation.
Often the person with FM does not feel pain in these locations unless they are stimulated. Other areas can be tender as well. Some physicians accept a diagnosis of FM with fewer than 11 tender points if a definitive history as well as several associated symptoms are present. The following list of symptoms associated with FM have been gathered from a variety of peer reviewed medical journals. They are listed in no specific order.