Fibromyalgia Tender Points and Symptoms

One of many symptoms of the fibromyalgiaThere are four tender points associated with the
syndrome is the presence of various fibromyalgiabuttocks, one on each side just behind the kidney,
tender points. These tender points, also causedand one on each side at the base of each
trigger points, occur around various joints. It is notbuttock. The remaining four points are on the
the joint itself where the pain is occurring, butinside of each elbow, and on the outside of each
rather in the soft tissue around the joints.knee.
Fibromyalgia tender points are usually quite small inFibromyalgia is diagnosed when at least eleven of
area, usually no larger than a finger tip, and pain isthese points are present. Knowing where the
experienced when pressure is applied to one oftender points are active will enable the doctor to
these tender areas. You can apply pressure, saydetermine a proper course of treatment. The pain
with a finger, next to a fibromyalgia tender point,associated with fibromyalgia tender points is
but not directly on it, and feel no pain. The causemanaged in a number of ways, including avoiding
of this pain is not well understood. The pain isthings which tend to trigger the pain. Medications
always felt near the surface, is not a deep pain,are often prescribed. Antidepressants seem to
and it is not, as one might expect, be due tohelp, although the reason why isn't well
inflammation of tissue. Furthermore, theunderstood. Therapy involving ice packs and
fibromyalgia tender points are found at veryapplications of heat are generally helpful. Avoiding
predictable locations, and when diagnosingunnecessary anxiety and stress, and getting
fibromyalgia, a physician will want to know wheresufficient rest, also is important. The ability to
tenderness is experienced. If pain is present atrelax (relaxation therapy) can be helpful.
points other than these predictable points,There are other symptoms of fibromyalgia of
something other than fibromyalgia would be thecourse, including deep muscle pain, joint pain, and
diagnosis.chronic fatigue. Fibromyalgia is a complex
There are 18 of these points located in the neck,syndrome, with the presence of tender points
back and chest, the knees and elbows, and thebeing just a part of a larger picture. Still, pain is
buttocks. There are 4 points on the neck, two inpain, and relief or treatment must be sought
front and two in back. The two on the chest areafter. The presence of fibromyalgia points, and
about at the level of the collarbone, and directlythe fibromyalgia syndrome itself, are rather
below the neck. On the back there are two pointsstrange occurrences, and treatment appears to
where the shoulder joins the neck, and two justcenter around lifestyle conditions as much as
below the neck on either side of the spine.around medication and therapy.