Shingles
Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). It is a viral infection that results in a painful, blistery rash that typically appears in a strip on your torso but may occur anywhere on the body. The rash may take several weeks to clear and generally starts with burning or tingling pain at the site, followed by a red rash that eventually develops blisters.
Causes
Once you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains in your nerve tissue. It may lie inactive for decades before reappearing as shingles. The CDC estimates that 1 in every 3 people in the United States will experience shingles in their lifetime. It’s more common in older adults, but even children can get it.
Symptoms and Additional Information
- Burning, sharp, and jabbing, or deep and achy pain that lasts long after the shingles rash has healed
- Extreme sensitivity to touch that may occur even when lightweight clothing touches the affected region
- Itching and numbness at the site of the shingles rash
- Shingles pain, also known as postherpetic neuralgia, is the most common complication and affects nerve fibers and the skin at the site of the outbreak. Nerve fibers damaged by shingles can’t communicate clearly with your brain. Instead, the nerve messages become confused and exaggerated. This causes chronic, often excruciating pain that can last for months to years.
Treatment
The medical team at Neuropathy and Pain Solutions will perform a physical exam that includes a careful review of your symptoms and diagnostic studies to identify the issue. Our medical team will then work with you to develop a customized treatment plan to address your symptoms and the underlying cause.
The treatment plan may include Electric Cell Signaling Treatment (EST), a non-surgical treatment. A treatment in which, they apply carefully controlled electrical signals to the affected region which targets and helps soothe the damaged nerves. EST has a high efficacy rate, providing significant relief for up to 87% of patients who undergo the therapy. This innovative treatment provides significant reduction of nerve symptoms for patients. This FDA cleared treatment could eliminate the need for pain medication as it restores your mobility and overall function. At Neuropathy and Pain Solutions, we want to work with your body to get to the source of the pain, not cover up the pain.
