In the past, the American College of Rheumatology included counting tender points into their 1990 Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria. It means that people had to experience pain in 11 of the 18 tender points for at least three months. However, since 2010, the criteria have been updated and no longer require tender points. The change in requirements is due to emerging research showing that fibromyalgia pain can fluctuate- and that tender points are generally subjective. While tender points are no longer required to receive a diagnostic, knowing about them can still be helpful. The tender point locations are:
Front lower sides of the neck
Back of the neck
Upper chest
Inner elbows
Knee
Back of the head
Upper back (around shoulder blades)
Upper outer buttock
Hips