Why are fibromyalgia tender points paired?

Tender points: The tender point exam was meant to be used as a research tool and does not definitively diagnose the condition. The pairing is due to the body's symmetry. Having a certain number of tender points does not make the diagnosis or rule it out.

To little space here: There are 2 of most structures in the body. Since most tender points are in muscles they would tend to be on both sides. The trigger points were mapped out by janet travel many years ago. The standard trigger points are only a small number of these but are of progressively less importance as we talk about widespread or 4 quadrant pain more with associated features like sleep disorder, ibs, etc.

Body plumb line: ? why Fibromyalgia (FM) trigger points paired. Soft tissues, ST, (ligaments/tendons/muscles/fascia) bilaterally arranged provide symmetrical tethering forces holding skeleton upright. Absent this pull, bones collapse into heap. Absent symmetrical pull body tower tilts. Asymmetric tethering generates compensatory painful ST spasms. Widespread ST spasticity generates painful trigger points.