Exams and Tests to Diagnose Fibromyalgia

Unfortunately, there isn't one exam or test your doctor can use to diagnose fibromyalgia. It may take months between when you first notice symptoms and when you're actually diagnosed with fibromyalgia, so it's important to be patient.

One reason fibromyalgia is so hard to diagnose is that there are several other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, that have similar symptoms, so diagnosing fibromyalgia is more a process of elimination.

Another reason that makes fibromyalgia a challenge to diagnose is that it's a variable disorder, which means that symptoms can be different from person to person.

Also in this Series

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Treatments

Although these factors make it difficult diagnostic fibromyalgia, there are some general guidelines many doctors follow.

General Guidelines for Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology developed general guidelines for diagnosing fibromyalgia. According to their research, there are 2 main symptoms that must be present to diagnose fibromyalgia: widespread pain and tenderness at 11 or more of the 18 tender points.¹

These tender points are found on specific areas of the body, including the neck, elbows, chest, back, hips, buttocks, and knees. Although these points are small, they're extremely sensitive when pressed.

Many doctors consider these diagnostic guidelines for fibromyalgia, but there are other factors that need to be taken into account.

Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Process
To help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis, he or she will do a complete medical history, asking you whether you have any conditions or if you have a family history of any conditions.

Your doctor will also ask you to describe your symptoms, so be as specific as possible. You may even want to keep a pain diary to record when and where you experience pain as well as the intensity of it. You can share this pain diary with your doctor during your appointment.

For example, record whether you've been having trouble sleeping or if you feel exhausted all the time. These are key symptoms that can help your doctor with a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

During this exam, the doctor will also lightly press on the 18 tender points. If at least 11 of those points are painful, you may have fibromyalgia.

However, if you're not diagnosed with fibromyalgia at this appointment, try to stay patient—your doctor is working hard to find the exact cause of your symptoms.

Other Possible Tests for Fibromyalgia
Before making an official fibromyalgia diagnosis, your doctor will want to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, that have similar symptoms.

To eliminate other possible conditions, your doctor may order multiple tests, including:

• anti-nuclear antibody test
• complete blood count
• erythrocyte sedimentation rate test
• rheumatoid factor test
• thyroid tests

Remember, the fibromyalgia diagnostic process takes time, and it's crucial for you to stay informed throughout the process. Ask questions if you don't understand test results, for example.

Ultimately, monitoring your symptoms and ruling out other conditions can help your doctor make an accurate fibromyalgia diagnosis.