How to tell the difference if you have fibromyalgia or pain from spinal stenosis?

MRI of the Spine: Cervical spinal stenosis is often diagnosed late in patients with fibromyalgia. A careful history and physical exam can often reveal findings of spinal stenosis. Loss of reflex or numbness and weakness are indications for the patient to be referred for an mri.

Spinal stenosis: Fibromyalgia is a generalized pain of muscles while spinal stenosis affects the legs and is aggravated by any lengthy standing or walking and gets better when one sits down and rest, fibromyalia is not usually affect by rest.

Very Different: The two conditions have very little in common other that both can be a source of pain. Fibromyalgia is a generalized and typically affecting the whole body whereas spinal stenosis typically affects your extremities such as your legs. Both have vastly different treatments, so an accurate diagnosis will be essential for you to obtain relief.