A 28-year-old graduate student comes to your clinic for evaluation of pain "all over." With further questioning, she is able to relate that the pain is worse in the neck, shoulders, hands, low back, and knees. She denies swelling in her joints; she states that the pain is worse in the morning; there is no limitation in her range of motion. On physical examination, she has several points on the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back that are tender to palpation; muscle strength and range of motion are normal. Which of the following is likely the cause of her pain?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has pain in specific trigger point areas on the muscles, with normal strength and range of motion. This is an indication for fibromyalgia.

A 28-Year-Old Graduate Student Comes to Your Clinic for Evaluation