Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles) Pain Management Specialists
Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles)
Condition Overview
Most people in the United States get chickenpox as children. Once the chickenpox infection has cleared, the shingle virus lies dormant inside some of your nerve roots. Years later, the virus can re-emerge if your immune system is stressed or weakened. Instead of causing chickenpox, it causes shingles — producing a painful, blistering rash.
Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles. It occurs when the nerve fibers damaged during a shingles outbreak continue to send pain signals to the brain even after the rash and other symptoms have cleared. This pain can persist for weeks, months or even years after the rash.
It’s one of the most common and distressing complications of shingles and is especially common in older adults. If you suspect postherpetic neuralgia as a complication of your shingles, seek specialist treatment as soon as possible to avoid living with debilitating pain for longer than you have to.
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Learn more about postherpetic neuralgia
Symptoms of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic Neuralgia symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but commonly include:
- A red, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body, often forming a band or belt-like pattern
- Before any rash appears, you might experience pain, burning, itching or tingling sensations in the affected area
- Headaches that cause pain ranging from mild to severe
- Fever, chills, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms can happen at the same time as the pain and the rash
- The affected area is sensitive to touch — causing pain or discomfort, even when lightly brushed against
If you notice any of these symptoms — especially if you’ve had chickenpox in the past — it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of Postherpetic Neuralgia
Our specialists use various diagnostics to determine if an individual is suffering from shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Your first consultation at our clinic will start with a chat about you and your symptoms, including the appearance of the characteristic shingles rash and any persistent pain experienced following the rash’s resolution. A physical exam may reveal areas of hypersensitivity or changes in skin texture corresponding to affected nerve pathways.
In some cases, additional diagnostic tests — nerve conduction studies or imaging tests like MRI — may be conducted to rule out other potential causes and assess nerve damage. A definitive diagnosis of PHN is made when the pain in the affected area persists for at least three months following the resolution of the shingles rash.
Treatment Options for Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain)
Our specialists at Nura offer a variety of treatment options for postherpetic neuralgia — AKA shingles — depending on your unique pain and unique needs.
Treatment typically incorporates a variety of strategies to effectively manage pain. Common approaches at Nura include:
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Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
