Understanding the Spectrum of Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is characterized by amplified pain processing in the central nervous system, existing on a spectrum rather than a binary condition. The degree of fibromyalgia, termed 'fibromyalginess,' acts as a predictor of pain and disability, surpassing objective measures like osteoarthritis. Diagnostic criteria include the widespread pain index, assessing pain distribution, symptom severity score for associated issues like fatigue and sleep disturbances, and additional points for irritable bowel, depression, or headache. Diagnosis hinges not on a threshold but on the extent of fibromyalgia's presence, influencing treatment response as higher 'fibromyalginess' correlates with increased central sensitization.