What do the numbers mean on a fibromyalgia pain scale?

Numbers on a fibromyalgia pain scale reflect pain and non-pain factors that physicians use to determine whether someone has fibromyalgia, according to Healthline. The scale combines the results of a widespread pain index and a severity of symptoms measurement to make a diagnosis.

The WPI measures pain symptoms across the body, and ranges from 0 to 19, notes Healthline. The SS index measures four areas of non-pain symptoms, such as fatigue or cognitive disorders, and ranges from 0 to 3, notes Healthline. Patients are considered to have fibromyalgia if their WPI score is above 7 and SS score is above 5; or if their WPI score falls between 3 and 6, and the SS score is above 9.