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. 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.