Your Basic Guide to Treating Long-Term Shingles Pain

Shingles Pain Clinic Mars Hill NC

Pain from shingles can be terrible at the beginning and may also continue to cause pain long after the rashes go away.  There are several treatment options available to treat this pain. Today our comprehensive pain management team will be sharing some information about lingering shingles pain as well as the top modern treatment options. Read on to learn more.

 

What Causes Shingles Pain to Linger?

For most people, the discomfort associated with shingles begins with the development of a rash of painful blisters. Typically, this pain fades as the rash does. However, for some people, the pain can continue for 3 months or longer. In some cases, this pain can even become permanent.

When shingles pain lingers beyond the rest of the symptoms, it’s because the virus damaged some of the body’s nerve endings. This damage can cause messages being sent from the nerves to the brain to miscommunicate, leading to continued pain. This condition is referred to as Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN).

 

Symptoms of Postherpetic Neuralgia

The symptoms associated with PHN is very similar to that of shingles. Just as with shingles, it will reside mostly in the area where the rash developed. The symptoms also stay contained to one side of the body, most commonly the abdominal or thoracic (mid-back) area. The pain can also be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Sharp or shooting pain

  • Itching

  • Burning

  • Tingling

  • Possible fever

  • Fatigue

  • Discomfort with any level of contact/pressure (even clothing may cause agitation)

  

Common Treatments

There are many non-invasive treatments available for PHN. Your treatment journey will begin with a thorough assessment of all your symptoms, a physical evaluation and discussion of your health history. This will ensure that your treatment offers the best possible opportunity for relief.

  • Epidural injection

  • Intercostal Nerve Block

  • Pain medication

  • Topical pain creams or patches

  • Medications designed to control seizures (anticonvulsants)

  • Antidepressants

  • Homeopathic pain control methods such as ice packs or TENS units

Many times, your comprehensive pain management care team will recommend a multi-disciplinary approach to treating your PHN symptoms. This could include many of the above-mentioned medications, homeopathic therapies and/or non-invasive procedures. It’s important to work with a pain specialist that you trust who can help you navigate these options with confidence.

 

Prevention Tips

Not all pain solutions have to be reactive. As often as possible, it’s important to maintain a healthy, proactive lifestyle so that you can avoid more serious complications. While viruses like shingles and PHN may still occur, there are actions you can take to decrease the risk or severity of symptoms.  

  • Make regular visits to your primary care physician a priority

  • Early diagnosis and treatment

  • Getting the shingles vaccine

  

Pain Clinic Mars Hill NC

We know you hurt, but you don’t have to. Learn about our comprehensive pain management solutions for shingles pain, migraine headaches, lower back pain, cancer pain and more. We walk with you every step of the way on a journey towards creating a customized, dynamic treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with a dedicated pain specialist at any one of our 15 convenient Asheville area locations.

Lauren FischerPain Clinic Asheville 3