Shingles is something that no one wants to experience, yet approximately 1 in 3 adults will contract shingles at some point in their life. Unfortunately, an intense amount of pain often accompanies shingles, which is often caused by post-herpetic neuralgia.

In this article, we are going to go over what post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is, how it is treated, and when you should seek help from a pain management specialist. At The Pain Management Center, our goal is to see our patients go from a feeling of hopelessness, to a feeling of hopefulness.

If you want to learn how we can help you manage your shingles pain effectively, keep reading.

What is Post-Herpetic Neuralgia?

This condition is a complication of shingles, which stems from having chicken pox at a younger age. When a person has the herpes zoster (chicken pox) virus inside them, there is a chance they will contract shingles in adulthood.

What are the Symptoms?

Post-herpetic neuralgia typically manifests itself in the form of an intense burning sensation on the surface of the skin. Many patients describe it as feeling like the worst sunburn they’ve ever had.

Who gets it?

While anyone who has had chicken pox in the past can contract shingles, the majority of individuals who experience painful shingles complications are in their 60s. The risk factor for shingles complication increases with age.

What treatment options are available?

While there is no cure for post-herpetic neuralgia, there are several treatment options that have been effective for patients who are suffering from this condition. At The Pain Management Center, we’ve used the following treatments successfully to treat this condition:

• Medications and pain relievers (such an an FDA approved treatment like Qutenza)
• Injections to block pain receptors
• Spinal cord stimulation (in severe cases)

And much more. If you are experiencing pain due to the shingles virus, the doctors and professional pain management team at The Pain Management Center can help you get your life back.

When should I seek treatment?

In some cases, home remedies are enough to effectively treat shingles pain. In moderate to severe cases however, patients are going to need some form of professional medical care in order to help them navigate their pain during this difficult time.

When your pain starts to significantly impact daily life, see a pain management doctor who knows how to deal with pain resulting from shingles complications.