Symptom 9. Tingling or Numbness: Pins and Needles
The next symptom we need to talk about is the sensation of tingling or numbness. Often described as ‘pins and needles,’ ‘prickling,’ or ‘crawling’ sensations, this symptom can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
Imagine sitting cross-legged for too long and the feeling you get when you finally stand up—that’s the tingling sensation we’re talking about, but without any apparent trigger. It can come and go without warning, creating a sense of unpredictability that can be anxiety-provoking.
The numbness associated with fibromyalgia can be quite concerning for those experiencing it. It’s a sensation of decreased sensitivity in certain parts of the body, almost like they’ve been anesthetized. It’s as though certain parts of your body have gone to sleep and won’t wake up, a sensation that can be both puzzling and alarming.
While this symptom can be disconcerting, it’s one of the many potential manifestations of the central sensitization believed to be at the core of fibromyalgia. In essence, your nervous system is amplifying the sensations, a dial turned too high, leading to these abnormal sensory experiences. (*)
