Do you suffer from Postherpetic Neuralgia after having Shingles?

If you’ve ever experienced shingles, you know of the burning pain that is associated with the rash. In most cases, pain persists until the rash has cleared up. About 20% of all people who get shingles will experience postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). At Advanced Pain Management Center, Dr. Fiks utilizes a multi-modal approach to treating the pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, because he knows that the best way to combat this condition is to use treatments that work together to alleviate pain.

How does one get Postherpetic neuralgia?

Although it is still unclear as to why some people will experience lingering effects after having the shingles, it is most likely caused by irritation or damage to nerve fibers which results in changes to its form and function.

If you have recently been diagnosed with the shingles and you are still feeling pain after the rash has cleared up, you might be dealing with postherpetic neuralgia and you should contact your physician.

If you have any of the following symptoms seek treatment:

• Pain that has lasted for over 3 months after the shingles rash has healed.
• Burning, sharp, jabbing, or deep and aching pain
• Sensitivity to light touch. People unable to stand even slight tough of the skin (also known as allodynia) feel pain even from the clothing on their skin.
• Itching and numbness

Treatment Options

• Anticonvulsants- Medications used to block channels that are responsible for neuron firing.
• Antidepressants- Medications used to inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters.
• Topical skin patches- Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can provide analgesia when applied topically.
• Steroid Injections- Have been shown to help reduce pain associated with PHN and if administered early enough ( within 3mo of rash disappearance if pain still persists) can help reduce the risk of prolonged and intractable PHN symptoms  
• Neuromodulation- peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) and/or spinal cord stimulation (SCS) combined with medication treatment can be signififcantly helpful in the management of pain associated with PHN.
• Physical Therapy can be helpful as well, especially when combined with topical pain relief options

If you are suffering from postherpetic neuralgia, please do not hesitate to contact Advanced Pain Management Center and set up a consultation. To learn more, book an appointment with Advanced Pain Management Center today.

Author

Vladimir Fiks, MD Medical Director Advanced Pain Management Center and Cedar Hills Surgery Center