Fibromyalgia Tender Point Counter

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Fibromyalgia Tender Point Calculator: Your Complete Diagnostic Guide

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Tender Points

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder affecting 2-4% of adults globally. The Fibromyalgia Tender Point Calculator helps assess one of its key diagnostic markers: tender points. These 18 specific body locations (9 bilateral pairs) show heightened sensitivity in patients.

Key Terms Explained

1. Tender Points:

   • Predefined anatomical locations

   • Painful under 4 kg/cm² pressure (about fingernail blanching pressure)

   • Critical for ACR (American College of Rheumatology) diagnosis

2. Widespread Pain Index (WPI):

   • Measures pain distribution across 19 body regions

   • Score range: 0-19

3. Symptom Severity Scale (SSS):

   • Assesses fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and sleep quality

   • Score range: 0-12

4. ACR Diagnostic Criteria:

   • WPI ≥7 + SSS ≥5 OR

   • 11+ tender points with ≥3 months symptoms

How the Fibromyalgia Calculator Works

3-Step Assessment Process

1. Input Collection

   • Gender selection (affects pain pattern analysis)

   • Interactive tender point map (18 body locations)

   • Pain duration in days/weeks/months

2. Calculation Method

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   Total Score = (Tender Points Count) + (Duration Weight)

   • Tender Points: 1 point per positive location

   • Duration Weight:

     DurationWeight<3 months03-6 months1>6 months2

3. Result Interpretation

   • Color-Coded Risk Meter:

     • Green (0-4): Low probability

     • Yellow (5-10): Moderate risk

     • Red (11-18): High likelihood

Why Use This Tender Point Assessment Tool?

Clinical Benefits

• ✅ Identifies central sensitization patterns

• ✅ Tracks symptom progression over time

• ✅ Supports differential diagnosis (vs. arthritis/neuropathy)

• ✅ Compliments FMS diagnostic criteria

Patient Advantages

• No clinical visit required for initial screening

• Visual pain mapping for better doctor-patient communication

• Immediate risk stratification

Interpreting Your Results

Score RangeClinical MeaningNext Steps0-4Unlikely fibromyalgiaInvestigate other pain causes5-10Possible early-stage FMConsult rheumatologist11-18High FM probabilityFull ACR evaluation + CRP/ESR tests

Critical Note: 83% of confirmed fibromyalgia patients score ≥11 on tender point exams (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023).

Limitations and Considerations

1. Complementary Tool

   • Not a standalone diagnostic method

   • Must correlate with:

     • Fatigue levels

     • Sleep quality

     • Cognitive symptoms ("fibro fog")

2. False Positives

   • May overlap with:

     • Myofascial pain syndrome

     • Chronic fatigue syndrome

3. Gender Variations

   • Women show 3x higher tender point sensitivity (NIH data)

FAQs: Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Q: How does this differ from online pain surveys?
A: Uses ACR-validated tender point methodology rather than subjective pain ratings.

Q: Can children use this calculator?
A: Pediatric fibromyalgia requires modified criteria - consult pediatric rheumatologist.

Q: Does weather affect tender point scores?
A: 68% patients report increased sensitivity during humidity/pressure changes.