Do the “pins and needles” in your body make it difficult to take on everyday life?
If you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you may have experienced that familiar tingling or “pins and needles” feeling. It’s one of the most common MS symptoms, and it can happen at any stage—whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with MS for years. While tingling can be uncomfortable, and even painful at times, I want you to know that there are ways to manage it. With some strategies you can do at home and the right guidance from your healthcare team, you can find relief and feel more comfortable in your body.
So without any further introduction, let’s dive in and discuss all the details relating to MS tingling and more importantly, how to manage it correctly.
MS tingling happens because MS affects the nervous system, which is responsible for sending signals between your brain and the rest of your body. When MS disrupts these signals, your brain may misinterpret them, which leads to sensations like tingling, numbness, or even burning. This can be frustrating, but understanding why it happens is the first step in learning how to manage it.
There’s no set rule for how long MS tingling lasts. It can be short-lived, like a few minutes or hours, or it can hang around for days or longer. Sometimes, it may come and go in waves. Other times, there is a constant presence of tingling (whether it be mild or severe) that tends to persist all day long.
The important thing to remember is that while tingling can feel difficult to manage, there are strategies to help take back control of your symptoms and be able to do daily activities with confidence.
Everyone experiences tingling from time to time, like when your foot falls asleep and then “wakes up” with that prickly feeling. But MS tingling is a little different. It can last longer, feel more intense, or appear suddenly without any obvious reason. It might feel like a buzzing, vibrating, or electric sensation, and it can affect different parts of the body.
MS tingling tends to linger, and unlike normal tingling, it might not go away simply by shifting positions. The sensation can vary from mildly irritating to downright painful, which is why it’s important to recognize when it's MS-related and not a passing issue.
MS tingling can show up in many areas, but some spots are more common than others. While the sensations might vary, the areas where tingling occurs often have an impact on daily activities. Knowing where you’re likely to feel it can help you better understand what’s happening and how to manage it correctly.
If tingling is significantly interfering with your daily life, there are several medical treatment options available.
Your doctor may prescribe medications that help calm the nerves and reduce these uncomfortable sensations, such as anticonvulsants or medications typically used for nerve pain. Physical or occupational therapy may also be recommended to help manage symptoms and improve function.
As you try new things to tackle MS tingling, it's important to maintain ongoing communication with your healthcare team. This ensures you’re finding the right treatment plan for your body. What works best can vary from person to person, so regular check-ins will help adjust your approach as needed.
In addition to medical treatments, there are also some simple, effective ways to manage tingling at home. These strategies can help ease discomfort and improve your quality of life. Taking small, consistent steps to address your symptoms can make a big difference in how you feel day to day – think of it as a marathon, not a sprint.
These exercises help your body and brain adapt to the tingling sensations over time. The goal is to make these sensations feel less intense and bothersome. While uncomfortable and painful at first, this is a great way to connect your mind and body to overcome tingling that makes it difficult to take on everyday life.
When using desensitization techniques at home, I recommend attempting each step for 5-10 minutes (depending on where you are in your progress) 1-3 times a day for a few weeks. There is no specific protocol, since everyone is different, but this is a general guideline to give your body a great start to help mitigate chronic tingling symptoms.
Stress and anxiety can make MS symptoms, including tingling, feel worse. When we’re stressed, our muscles tense up, and our body becomes more sensitive to discomfort. While reducing stress is such an important part of managing MS, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Stress relief involves trial and error to see what works for you and your body.
Here are a few techniques that can help you relax and reduce tingling:
Regular exercise can help manage MS tingling and potential pain that comes with it by improving strength, flexibility, and overall physical health. If you’re curious to see an endless number of exercises that target each muscle group, check out my YouTube channel - Dr. Gretchen Hawley - for additional guidance.
While MS tingling can be frustrating, it doesn’t have to control your life. By combining the right treatments, home strategies, and stress relief techniques, you can find ways to manage the discomfort and feel more in control of your body. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right tools, you can live more comfortably with MS.
If you are looking for an exercise program that specifically targets your symptoms of MS (including tingling) The MSing Link is the perfect solution. Together, we will work through all the frustrating and overwhelming physical and mental obstacles that come with MS through an exercise program dedicated specifically to your needs. Best of all, you'll be part of a supportive and encouraging community.
If you have any further questions or concerns relating to MS tingling, please don’t hesitate to contact me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
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Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com