Why do we get pins and needles?

About this episode

We all know what it feels like to get pins and needles. It usually happens when we’ve been in the same position for too long, sleeping on one of our arms for example. Bad posture when seated can make this more likely to happen. It’s a slightly uncomfortable feeling of numbness and tingling, as if someone was raking your skin repeatedly with small pointed objects. That’s where the name “pins and needles” comes from, which goes back to the mid-19th century, according to word-detective.com. There is a scientific term for the sensation too by the way: paresthesia. Where does the pins and needles reaction come from? Can it be related to diseases ? When should we worry? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the latest episodes, click here: ⁠What is retinol, the miracle anti ageing skincare treatment?⁠ ⁠What is the best time of day to take a shower?⁠ ⁠How can I recognise ultra-processed foods?⁠ A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 14/6/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices