What finding is common in patients with fibromyalgia during a physical examination?

Tender points on palpation are a hallmark finding in patients with fibromyalgia during a physical examination. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, and patients often present with specific areas of tenderness known as tender points. These points are located in distinctive sites across the body, commonly including the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, and knees. The presence of these tender points can help clinicians in diagnosing fibromyalgia, as they indicate the hypersensitivity to pressure that is typical of the condition.

While other conditions might show joint swelling or decreased muscle strength, these are not characteristic features of fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia may not have clinically significant joint inflammation or muscle weakness, which differentiates it from other rheumatologic or neuromuscular conditions. Similarly, a positive straight leg raise is typically associated with conditions affecting the lumbar spine or sciatic nerve, rather than fibromyalgia. Thus, the identification of tender points is crucial in confirming a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.