Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 4/28/2025

Why Do I Feel Pins and Needles All over My Body and How Can It Be Alleviated?

Pins and needles feeling all over your body can happen when the nerves send mixed-up signals, often due to small-fiber neuropathy. Some people may find relief by treating the nerve discomfort with medications like gabapentin along with lifestyle changes.

answer background

Explanation

Feeling pins and needles is a common way your body tells you that your nerves are not working as they should. This sensation might be due to a type of nerve problem called small-fiber neuropathy. In this condition, the tiny nerve fibers that help sense touch, pain, and temperature are damaged or not working properly. Sometimes, unusual sweating patterns, itching, or burning can show up along with the tingling. To help ease these symptoms, doctors might use medications used for nerve pain, such as gabapentin. Gabapentin works by calming down the overactive nerve signals that cause the tingling. In addition, your healthcare provider may suggest changes to your daily routine, such as gentle exercises, improved sleep habits, avoiding alcohol or other triggers that worsen the symptoms. It is important to have a thorough evaluation so that any underlying issues are found and treated. If you experience ongoing or worsening sensations, talking with your doctor can help you find the best way to manage and alleviate the discomfort.

(References)

  • Flores S, Davis MD, Pittelkow MR, Sandroni P, Weaver AL, Fealey RD. Abnormal sweating patterns associated with itching, burning and tingling of the skin indicate possible underlying small-fibre neuropathy. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;172(2):412-8. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13576. Epub 2015 Jan 18. PMID: 25597261.

  • Tihanyi BT, Ferentzi E, Beissner F, Köteles F. The neuropsychophysiology of tingling. Conscious Cogn. 2018 Feb;58:97-110. doi: 10.1016/j.concog.2017.10.015. Epub 2017 Oct 31. PMID: 29096941.

  • Backonja M, Glanzman RL. Gabapentin dosing for neuropathic pain: evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Clin Ther. 2003 Jan;25(1):81-104. doi: 10.1016/s0149-2918(03)90011-7. PMID: 12637113.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Pins and needles all over my body

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom checker

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get a free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.