CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a common childhood disease that is self-limited and generally well-tolerated without long-term effects. The problem which arises is that once infected, we never actually get rid of the virus. It lies dormant in the nerves near our spine for years, kept at bay by our immune system.

As we age and our immune system weakens, we are at increased risk of the virus manifesting itself once again as a shingles infection. Herpes zoster, or shingles, is the reactivated form of the chickenpox virus and can be painful both during the acute infection and, of greater concern, possibly lead to a chronic painful state.

Although symptoms and presentation of shingles vary, the majority of patients experience pain in a linear or dermatomal pattern on one side of the body which precedes a rash in the same area. The most common area to experience this painful rash is in the thoracic or chest wall region. The second most common area is on the head and face.

The painful rash usually lasts one to two weeks. But in up to 20% of patients, the pain will persist for greater than six months, developing into a chronic state called postherpetic neuralgia.

Treatment of acute shingles infection should first be provided by your primary care doctor with an antiviral medication, which will help reduce the duration and severity of pain and reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia. Pain resulting from both the shingles infection and postherpetic neuralgia can be managed by non-narcotic oral pain medicines and even topical lidocaine patches.

However, to most effectively reduce the risk of long-term pain, a series of X-ray-guided injections performed by pain management specialists around the affected nerve is indicated. The earlier in the course of the infection that these shots are administered, the more effective they are at preventing long-term pain.

If you experienced shingles in the past and are still suffering from pain in that area, there are options for you. Along with the different types of oral medications, patches and injections, a pain specialist can evaluate you to see if you are a candidate for spinal cord stimulator therapy, a minimally invasive option that replaces the painful sensation of postherpetic neuralgia with a pleasant sensation.

If you suspect that you are suffering from shingles, see your primary care provider first to confirm the diagnosis. If the pain from this infection is of concern to you, feel free to contact our office at 435-216-7000 to schedule a consultation.

As Southern Utah’s premier interventional pain management team, Desert Pain practices evidence-based, forward-thinking medicine that integrates the newest available treatments. Their providers address all types of pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, neuropathy, migraines and sports injuries, and are dedicated to helping patients regain mobility and enjoy a greater quality of life. 

Written by DR. SPENCER WELLS, Desert Pain Specialists.

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Resources

• Desert Pain Specialists | Telephone: 435-216-7000 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
• Locations:
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  • Hurricane: 48 S. 2500 West, Suite 110.
  • Cedar City: 1760 N. Main St.
  • Beaver: 68 N. Main St.
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  • Delta: 126 White Sage Ave.
  • Fillmore: 65 N. Main St.
  • Mesquite, Nevada: 340 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Suite 600.
  • Overton, Nevada: 475 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.

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