Since revoking the “tender point” test in 2010, more and more people are being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and sometimes, without good reason.  

The tender point test consisted of applying pressure to 18 specific points on the body, from the neck, down to the back of the knee.  The test was discarded because doctors felt that it was an inaccurate way to diagnose, due to the vast number of symptoms, beyond pain in trigger points, that Fibro patients experience.  

A new test was developed for diagnosis, consisting of 24 questions.  A major issue with the test is that the appropriate answers can be found online, thus giving many people the ability to be falsely diagnosed.  The patient is no longer even required to be touched, for diagnosis.  I guess this is taking the honor system to a whole new level.  Hopefully the continuation of this test, and the rising number of Fibromyalgia diagnoses won’t affect what has grown into substantial coverage from health insurance companies.  Because it’s such a complex syndrome, Fibro will continue to keep many scratching their heads, until more accurate tests are formed.  Another worry is that this “question test” will lead to inaccurate diagnoses, while another serious underlying condition may be missed or dismissed.  This may lead to legal issues for the medical community.  

Many symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia are actually conditions or diseases of their own, with scientifically proven lab tests that can very accurately point to a diagnosis.  Multiple test-proven diagnoses of conditions associated with the syndrome, may help to form a more accurate Fibro diagnosis.  Of course, within this method lies issues, as well.  Many symptoms, disorders, diseases and conditions that go hand in hand with FM, can take years to show up or worsen, so until a more accurate test is developed, a new diagnosis based on the beginning stages, seems like it will generally be a difficult read. 

Some of those who have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, have taken their concerns to the next level, by visiting a Neurologist.  This seems to be a decent choice, being that multiple symptoms are thought to be associated with the central nervous system.