Tender points or heightened pain sensitivity
Localised areas of the body that are abnormally sensitive to pressure, producing pain disproportionate to the applied force. Tender points are a defining diagnostic criterion for fibromyalgia and reflect central sensitisation of pain pathways.
Quick answer
Tender points and heightened pain sensitivity (ICD-10: M79.7; ICD-11: MG30.01) reflect central sensitisation, most commonly in fibromyalgia. Exercise is the primary evidence-based intervention. Sleep improvement reduces sensitisation. Acupuncture and MBPM are evidence-informed adjuncts.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Pain or significant discomfort when light pressure is applied to specific body points
Multiple areas of heightened pain sensitivity across the body
Tenderness that is consistent and reproducible at specific locations
Associated with widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive symptoms in fibromyalgia
A sense that the entire body is more pain-sensitive than usual
What is Tender points or heightened pain sensitivity?
Localised areas of the body that are abnormally sensitive to pressure, producing pain disproportionate to the applied force. Tender points are a defining diagnostic criterion for fibromyalgia and reflect central sensitisation of pain pathways.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Tender points or heightened pain sensitivity, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Systemic or neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation.
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