To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a woman must have tenderness in how many areas?

A woman must have tenderness in 11 specific areas of the body to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This criterion is based on the widespread pain index and measurement of subjective areas of tenderness known as tender points. These tender points are identified in a standardized way and are located in specific regions that commonly exhibit pain in individuals with fibromyalgia. The identification of tenderness in 11 or more of these points, alongside the presence of additional symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, helps healthcare providers confirm the diagnosis. This criteria is essential to distinguish fibromyalgia from other pain disorders, making it a key factor in the diagnosis.