You don't need ALL of these symptoms to have FMS, but chances are you have a great portion of them. Accompanying symptoms are used to positively diagnose one with FMS if the patient shows signs of FMS but doesn't have the 11 sensitive tender points that are used for diagnosis. Deep muscle acupuncture along the tender points and tender point meridians can also be used to positively diagnose FMS, even though most countries and insurance agencies will not take an acupuncturists diagnosis unless it is backed by a medical doctor.

Please DON'T SELF DIAGNOSE! Use this list to help journal your symptoms and any progression you feel you are experiencing and CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. If your doctor isn't willing to even consider looking into your problems, then "shop around." But be sure to have appropriate medical consultation on your health.

PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS:

• recurrent flu-like illness
• recurrent sore throats,
• red and injected painful lymph nodes under the arms and neck
• muscle and joint aches with tender and trigger points - up to 18 of them
• night sweats and fever
• severe nasal and other allergies
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• weight change - usually gain
• heart palpitations
• mitral valve prolapse
• severe PMS
• yeast infections
• rashes and itching
• uncomfortable or frequent urination
• interstitial bladder cystitis
• chest pains (non-cardiac)
• temporomandibular joint dysfunction (in the jaw)
• hair loss
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• cold hands and feet
• dry eyes and mouth
• severe and debilitating fatigue
• widespread pain other chronic illness(es) usually present (like diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, lupus, ms, etc.)
• numbness in the limbs, not painful like pins & needles
• painful swelling in the hands, legs, feet, neck
• GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder)
• “growing pains�?start in childhood and teens, continue into adulthood
• widespread body pain during/after physical exertion