Possible Link Between Fibromyalgia and PTSD

There are different ways to confirm FM diagnosis. The first set of criteria was proposed by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990. According to the ACR, FM can be confirmed if a patient reports widespread pain lasting more than three months that affects all four quadrants of the body, meaning both sides, and above and below the waist. In addition, diagnosis with FM also required patients to report certain “tender” spots that were painful when touched. Twenty years later, the American College of Rheumatology revised those criteria and instead of tender points introduced some other tests and scales to be used in the diagnosis of FM. In addition, all other diagnosable disorders that would cause generalized pain must be ruled out before a diagnosis of FM may be considered.