Understanding Shingles Pain
Shingles is a viral infection that is known to leave a painful rash, predominantly on the right or left side of the torso. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, is the root cause for shingles infection. The chickenpox virus stays in the body and can strike later as shingles, causing a painful rash with blistering.
Interventional pain management offers effective treatment options to manage shingles pain and improve your quality of life. Our team of experienced pain specialists in Duluth, GA, can create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Cause of Shingles Pain
Shingles pain is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. This can occur due to:
- Aging: The risk of shingles increases as you age, especially after 50.
- Weakened immune system: Certain medical conditions or medications can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to shingles.
- Stress: Severe stress can trigger shingles outbreaks.
Symptoms of Shingles Pain
Shingles pain often strikes one side of your body and can be accompanied by several other symptoms. Look out for:
- Pain, burning, or tingling sensation
- Sensitivity to touch
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fluid-filled blisters that open simultaneously
- Itching
- Fever
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue
Stages of Shingles
- Prodromal stage (before the rash appears) – During the early stages, the infected area may experience pain, ticking, tingling, and burning sensation accompanied by numbness. It may start from the chest or back, and can also occur on the head, arm, leg, stomach, or face. One may experience flu-like symptoms like diarrhea, chill, and stomachache.
- Active stage (rash and blisters appear) – In the active stage, a small rash in the size of a strip or a band may appear on the body. Slowly blisters are formed with a fluid that may change color from clear to cloudy in three to four days. A rash can develop on the cheek, around the eye, nose, or forehead. At this stage, excruciating pain – like needles piercing the skin – may occur with the rash.
- Postherpetic neuralgia (chronic pain stage) – This is the most complicated stage of shingles that may last for a month or can continue for years. The pain may arise in the forehead or chest, which can hamper eating, sleeping, and even doing regular chores. The pain from shingles can feel like a heart attack, ulcers, appendicitis, or migraine headaches.
Shingles Treatment Options
We at Greater Atlanta Pain & Spine offer the best treatment for shingles rash. Our team of medical experts is led by Dr. Galal Gargodhi, who is a board-certified physician specializing in pain management.
We offer various treatments for shingles pain management, including:
- Vaccines – Two doses of Shingrix vaccine are recommended for healthy adults aged 50 and above, as well as individuals 18 years and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy. It is advisable to receive the vaccine even if you have previously experienced shingles.
- Antiviral medicines – To reduce the pain and the duration of shingles
- Over-the-counter pain medicines – Help reduce pain during an attack
- Topical antibiotics – To stop infection of the blisters.
- Topical creams – To provide relief from itching.
Why Choose Greater Atlanta Pain & Spine for
Shingles Treatment in Duluth, GA
We offer various benefits when you choose Greater Atlanta Pain & Spine.
- Personalized Treatment – We collaborate closely with you to understand your requirements and formulate a customized treatment strategy designed specifically for your condition.
- Patient First – With a patient-centric approach, we prioritize your comfort and well-being above all else. Our goal is to establish a nurturing atmosphere where you feel valued, listened to, and supported.
- Minimal Invasive Procedures – We specialize in minimally invasive procedures aimed at minimizing downtime compared to traditional surgery, facilitating a speedier recovery process.
- Support and Educate – Our commitment lies in equipping you with the necessary knowledge and support to effectively manage your pain.
FAQs
If the pain becomes unbearable, immediately call for medical help. Furthermore, take oral medications, and apply topical creams to reduce itching or burning sensation.
- Cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Undergoing bone marrow or solid organ (renal, cardiac, liver, and lung) transplantation
- Taking immunosuppressive medications, such as steroids, chemotherapy, or transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs.
Symptoms of shingles usually don’t last longer than three to five weeks.
Yes. We have partnered with many established insurance companies that can assist you with the right insurance.