Pressure pain threshold in pain‐free subjects, in patients with chronic regional pain syndromes, and in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

Objective. We hypothesized that change in pain threshold to pressure reflects a generalized change in the pain system affecting both tender and control points. Methods. We assessed 18 tender points and 4 control points using an algometer in 60 patients with generalized fibromyalgia/fibrositis syndrome, 60 patients with localized chronic pain syndromes, and in 60 pain‐free subjects. Results. A significant correlation was found between myalgia scores at tender points and control points in these subjects. Conclusion. These results suggest that there is a diffuse change in pain modulation in fibromyalgia, as hypothesized, but the tender point is still clinically useful. Copyright © 1993 American College of Rheumatology