ACUPUNCTURE AND THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC FIBROMYALGIA:

Fibromyalgia afflicts a broad range of people in the United States. It is second only to arthritis as the most frequent condition that a rheumatologist sees. This chronic condition affects approximately 3.4% of women and 0.5 % of men.. There are no specific lab tests that can confirm this diagnosis.

Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms. A physician will diagnose fibromyalgia if the patient has had widespread aching over at least a three month period. There are 18 specific areas that are palpated on the body and if 11 of these are tender to the touch then a diagnosis of FM is arrived at. The areas of possible tenderness include sites such as the shoulders, neck, lower back, hips, elbows, knees and buttocks

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