New Fibromyalgia Criteria Proposed

New Fibromyalgia Criteria is being proposed that would aid in the diagnosis of Fibro.  When I was diagnosed two years ago it was on the 11-18 point system. Since there are no blood tests to tell whether or not a patient has Fibromyalgia the doctor or specialist makes the diagnosis with a physical exam of pressure points. 

To meet the fibromyalgia criteria for diagnosis, patients must have:

A. Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum of three months

B. At least 11 of the 18 specified tender points 

The 18 sites used for the fibromyalgia diagnosis cluster around the neck, shoulder, chest, hip, knee, and elbow regions.

If your tender point count is under 11 you can still meet the criteria for Fibromyalgia.

Below are a few good articles on the subject of the new criteria proposed that is supposed to help in the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. 

My opinion: Everything has its pros and cons. I think this new criteria is an advancement yet still needs tweaking. 

New ACR Criteria Proposed for Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

New Criteria Proposed for Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

Like to hear Your thoughts on the new criteria.......

I hear my pillow calling~ See y'all tomorrow!

Peace                                                                                                                         Elizabeth