Published on: 4/28/2025
Pins and needles that come and go can be caused by small nerve problems, changes in blood sugar, or temporary nerve compression, and you should talk to a doctor if they occur frequently or are associated with other symptoms.
When you feel pins and needles all over your body in an on-and-off way, it might mean that the nerves are sending mixed signals. Sometimes, if you sit or sleep in one position, a nerve can get pinched, and that is a temporary cause for the tingling. However, if the feeling comes and goes in different parts of your body, it could be due to small nerve disease. For example, if you have diabetes, high blood sugar can hurt the nerves, leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Another possibility is small fiber neuropathy, where the tiny nerves in your skin become damaged or irritated. Both of these conditions can cause intermittent tingling sensations. It’s a good idea to mention these symptoms to your doctor, especially if the sensations persist or if you notice any other symptoms like pain or weakness. Your healthcare provider may run tests, ask about your overall health, and suggest changes like a healthier diet, medications, or other therapies to help manage the nerve problem and keep you feeling better.
(References)
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.
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