fibromyalgia tender points
tender points are specific sites on the body that cause pain when pressed. the pain may spread when a tender point is pressed and causes pain in a larger area (for example, down the leg, arm, or back).
there are 9 pairs of tender points. each pair has one point on each side of the body, for a total of 18 points. these pairs are located:
- at the back of the neck behind the ear, where the neck muscles attach to the base of the skull.
- about halfway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder.
- at the spot where the back muscles attach to the shoulder blade.
- on the front of the neck above the collarbone.
- just to the right and left of the breastbone (sternum) about 5 cm (2 in.) below the collarbone.
- on each forearm just below and to the outside of the crease of the elbow.
- just above and to the outside of each buttock.
- on the outer upper leg just behind the bony part of the hip (this point is easier to find when standing).
- on the inside of each knee.
experts call these tender points, but you may also hear them called trigger points.
current as of: july 17, 2023
author: healthwise staff
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