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Shingles Pain

What is Shingles Pain?

Medical shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that results in a painful rash. This condition is characterized by a burning or tingling sensation, often followed by a cluster of fluid-filled blisters that usually develop on one side of the body or face.

The discomfort associated with shingles can range from mild to debilitating. For many, the shingles itch and sharp, localized pain are the most challenging aspects of the virus. At NY Spine Care, we specialize in shingles management, focusing on reducing inflammation and addressing the nerve sensitivity that causes prolonged shingles discomfort.

What causes Shingles Pain?

  • Varicella-zoster virus

  • Dormant chickenpox

  • Nerve travel

  • Immune decline

  • Inflammation

  • Viral replication

  • Nerve sensitivity

  • Stress triggers

  • Tissue damage

  • Neuralgia

Risk factors

  • Age 50+

  • Weak immunity

  • Chronic stress

  • Steroid use

  • Chemotherapy

  • Past chickenpox

  • No vaccine

  • Major surgery

  • Autoimmune issues

  • Transplant drugs

Symptoms

  • Skin tingling

  • Burning pain

  • Red rash

  • Fluid blisters

  • Severe itching

  • Touch sensitivity

  • Fever/Chills

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle aches

Treatment

Treatments range from conservative treatment to surgery. Our goal is to provide you with the best treatment plan to reduce pain, but these treatments do not change the underlying source of pain. Medical treatments are often used in combination such as: medications, physical therapy programs, and injection therapy.

Epidural Injections

Treats radiating pain; deposit the medication, typically steroids in the epidural space of the spine.

Nerve root block injections

Targets a specific spinal nerve and deposit medication around the nerve at the point where it exits the intervertebral foramen (bony opening between adjacent vertebrae).

Facet joint injections

Treat pain stemming from a specific facet joint.

Medial branch blocks

Deposit medication around the medial branches of spinal nerves. The medial branch is a nerve that sends pain signals to the brain from an arthritic facet joint. An injection directed around the medial branch can relieve neck and lower back pain.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Treats pain by lesioning  medial branch nerves of the facet  joints.