Tenderpoints

Tender points are specific areas on the body that are unusually sensitive to pressure. They are often associated with chronic pain conditions, most notably fibromyalgia. In the context of fibromyalgia diagnosis, tender points were historically a key diagnostic criterion. A physician would apply firm digital pressure to these specific points; significant pain elicited by this pressure in a certain number of points, along with widespread pain, suggested a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

These points are typically located in muscles and tendons around joints. Common locations include the base of the skull, the front of the neck, the shoulders, the chest, the elbows, the hips, and the knees. The pain experienced at tender points is often described as aching, burning, or throbbing. It's important to note that the presence of tender points alone does not confirm a diagnosis, and their sensitivity can fluctuate over time.

While the use of tender points as a primary diagnostic tool has evolved with current research, they remain a recognized symptom in many individuals with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes. Current diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia often focus more on the severity and widespread nature of pain, along with other symptoms like fatigue and cognitive difficulties, but the experience of localized tenderness is still a significant component of the condition.