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


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that there is a diffuse change in pain modulation in fibromyalgia, as hypothesized, but the tender point is still clinically useful.
Granges
G
G
Rheumatology Unit, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
Littlejohn
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold; D011312:Pressure