The figures display the location of the tender points that comprise the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia shares similarities with rheumatism, a chronic condition marked by pain in the joints and soft tissues. Both bring significant discomfort and fatigue, but fibromyalgia stands out with its widespread pain and tenderness at specific body points (see diagram). Even light pressure can trigger pain at these spots. Beyond pain and exhaustion, fibromyalgia can also cause:
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Sleep disturbances
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Morning stiffness
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Headaches
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Painful menstrual periods
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Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
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Restless legs syndrome
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Sensitivity to temperature
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Cognitive issues or “fibro fog”
The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains a mystery. Some link it to traumatic events like car accidents, others to repetitive injuries or autoimmune conditions like lupus, but no definitive answer exists—and there’s no cure. Diagnosis hinges on having 11 or more tender points out of 18 standardized sites. A site counts as a true tender point if 4 kilograms of pressure causes pain. While pain can occur elsewhere, these 18 spots are the benchmark for classification.
Though fibromyalgia has no cure, chiropractic care may ease some symptoms for certain patients. By combining it with deep tissue laser therapy, we can potentially speed up relief—targeting pain and inflammation more effectively.
If you’re seeking help, reach out to our chiropractic clinic in the Grand Boulevard shopping center in Miramar Beach, Florida. Call us at 850-654-1850 to schedule chiropractic care, massage therapy, deep tissue laser therapy, nutritional counseling, or rehabilitation services—or just to ask questions about how we can support you. We’re here to offer tailored solutions to help you manage fibromyalgia and feel better. Contact us today!