What percentage of tender points must be sore for fibromyalgia diagnosis?

For a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, the criteria used traditionally focused on tenderness at specific points on the body known as tender points. There are a total of 18 designated tender points, and the specific requirement for diagnosis is that at least 11 out of these 18 points must be painful when pressure is applied. This threshold of 11 out of 18 points is significant because it establishes a clear measure for clinicians to identify the sensitivity and widespread pain characteristic of fibromyalgia.

The emphasis on tender points helps to differentiate fibromyalgia from other potential diagnoses by focusing on the tender areas that are commonly affected in those with the condition. This diagnostic criterion also highlights the importance of palpation and the physical examination component in recognizing fibromyalgia, rather than solely relying on self-reported symptoms or other diagnostic tests, which may not be as definitive.

In contrast, the other percentage-based options do not align with the established clinical criteria for fibromyalgia, which specifically relies on the number of tender points rather than a percentage of total points. Thus, the requirement of tenderness in at least 11 out of 18 tender points is the correct standard for a fibromyalgia diagnosis.