Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: May 10, 2012
JOPLIN, MO-- "Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that is widespread throughout the entire body. It lasts for at least three months, usually much, much longer and can be a lifetime problem." And just getting to a proper diagnosis can be a long complicated process, according to Freeman Dr. Eric VonHolten. "There are 11 out of 18 trigger points we need to find to help with the diagnosis. And it also has to involve your spine, back, also/or chest wall."
VonHolten points out there's no lab test for fibromyalgia. "We wind up drawing a lot of labs. And the reason really is we're trying to find out if you have other diseases that could give you similar symptoms to fibromyalgia that can easily be treated." And even once it's diagnosed, treatment isn't easy. Dr. VonHolten says it takes a mix of diet, exercise, regular sleep and of course medication which will differ depending on each patient's needs.
