What Is Post-Herpetic Neuralgia?
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia is a complication of shingles that causes long-lasting nerve pain in the area affected by the viral rash. While shingles itself typically resolves within a few weeks, PHN can persist for months, or even years, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
The pain results from damage to the sensory nerves during the shingles outbreak, leading to abnormal nerve signals and hypersensitivity. Symptoms often include burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like sensations, as well as extreme sensitivity to touch (allodynia). PHN is the most common cause of neuropathic pain in adults following shingles [1].
We take a structured, multi-layered approach to Post-Herpetic Neuralgia treatment by combining advanced diagnostics, lifestyle modifications, and progressive therapies to support your mobility and well-being.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we create personalized treatment plans, combining advanced therapies with lifestyle strategies to promote health. Our approach focuses on long-term relief, integrating treatments that fit seamlessly into your daily life. From targeted interventions to posture guidance and ergonomic support, we offer strategies to help improve mobility and reduce the risk of future issues.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
We prioritize non-invasive treatments and may incorporate advanced, minimally invasive techniques designed to ease discomfort and support the body’s natural healing process. These approaches can offer relief with minimal downtime, helping you return to daily activities more comfortably. Throughout your care, we provide ongoing guidance and support to promote positive outcomes.
Comprehensive Care
We take a comprehensive approach to all conditions—going beyond pain relief to support overall function. By combining advanced medical treatments with complementary therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and mindfulness techniques, we create personalized care plans tailored to your individual needs.
Lasting Relief
Our goal is to support not just immediate relief, but long-term health and sustainable symptom management. By addressing contributing factors behind your condition, we aim to improve function, reduce the risk of future flare-ups, and promote lasting mobility and well-being.
Understanding Post-Herpetic Neuralgia: Signs And Symptoms
Symptoms of PHN typically occur in the same area where the shingles rash appeared and include:
- Persistent burning or aching pain that can be severe and debilitating.
- Sharp, stabbing, or electric-shock-like sensations.
- Sensitivity to light touch, often making clothing or bedding painful.
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area.
- Sleep disturbances due to ongoing discomfort.
- Possible muscle weakness in severe cases.
The pain may begin shortly after the shingles rash resolves or appear weeks later. It often interferes with daily activities, mood, and sleep, significantly affecting quality of life [1].
What Causes Post-Herpetic Neuralgia?
PHN is caused by nerve damage during a shingles outbreak, which occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the nerve roots near the spinal cord or brain. The virus inflames and damages these nerves, disrupting normal pain signaling.
Risk factors include:
- Age over 60, with increased risk as age advances.
- Severity and duration of the initial shingles rash.
- Weakened immune system.
- Presence of intense pain during shingles infection.
Not everyone who gets shingles develops PHN, but the risk increases with age and other health factors [1].
What Happens If Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Is Left Untreated?
- Chronic, unrelenting pain interfering with daily function.
- Sleep disturbances leading to fatigue and mood changes.
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
- Possible muscle atrophy and weakness from disuse.
- Reduced quality of life and social isolation.
Our Approach To Treating Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
At Compass Pain and Wellness, the first treatment step will always be a detailed evaluation with your doctor to give you the answers you need. Next, our team will build a plan of care tailored to your specific pathology. This may involve advanced medical treatments as well as supportive therapies to address all aspects of your symptoms.
Take the next step and schedule your evaluation today.
How We Diagnose Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the history of shingles and persistent pain in the affected dermatome (skin area supplied by the damaged nerve). A thorough physical exam assesses sensory function and pain patterns. Imaging or nerve studies may be used to exclude other causes of neuropathic pain.
Early diagnosis helps tailor an effective treatment plan to minimize pain and prevent complications [1].
Conservative Treatment Approaches
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.
Massage
Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.
Shockwave Therapy
Promotes tissue healing and reduces nerve inflammation
TECAR Therapy
Enhances blood flow and reduces swelling.
Advanced Treatment Approaches
Medication Therapy
Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.
Nerve Block
Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.
PRP Injections
Promote nerve regeneration and reduce inflammation.
Neuromodulation Techniques
Electrical stimulation therapies for severe cases.
Referral For Surgical Intervention
In rare, refractory cases [1]
References
- Dworkin, R. H., et al. (2017). Postherpetic Neuralgia: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 33(11), 1011–1020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28438331/
Our Providers
Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.
