Managing & Treating Shingles Pain
Dec 19, 2016
Shingles is a viral skin rash that can affect any person who has had the chickenpox in the past. The condition can be extremely painful, but there are good options for pain management. This article is all about shingles. We will dive into the causes and symptoms of the condition, as well as the various options for treatment and pain management.
Shingles (also referred to as herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. Shingles symptoms start appearing when this virus flares up again in the body. Patients who have had the chickenpox in the past still have the virus in their body. The symptoms of chickenpox go away, but the virus simply goes dormant inside your body. As a result, anyone who has had chickenpox in the past has the potential of developing shingles later on in life.
The virus that causes shingles typically flares up due to weak immune systems, aging, disease, or stress. Here are some of the common symptoms of shingles:
Shingles is caused by a viral infection, so antibiotics won’t help. As a result, treatment is focused on mitigating the symptoms of the condition while it runs its course. There are numerous over-the-counter and prescription pain medications that can help manage shingles-related pain. Various creams and salves can also help relieve pain.
The Twin Cities pain management doctors at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN have over two decades of experience treating patients for chronic and acute pain conditions. If you are suffering from shingles-related pain, contact us today to discuss your options for pain relief. We will fully examine and diagnose your condition before putting together a treatment strategy that fits your unique needs. Contact our Edina pain management clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our Minnesota pain doctors.