Shingles
What are Shingles (Herpes Zoster Virus)?
Shingles is a viral infection of nerve roots. It causes pain and a rash that spreads on one side of your body.
What causes Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. When an individual recovers from chicken pox, the virus which causes the disease does not leave the body; instead it becomes inactive and lies quietly in the cranial and spinal sensory nerves. The reason these viruses remain inactive is because of the high level of antibodies developed during the acute phase of chicken pox. With time, the level of antibodies in the blood decreases. If the level falls low enough, the virus in one of the nerves becomes activated producing Shingles. Also known as a secondary phase of chicken pox, it is confined to the distribution of one or two nerves. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get Shingles; even those who are in good health. It is thought that the virus becomes active again when the immune system is weakened. Emotional or physical stress, such as an illness or injury, may weaken your immune system and trigger the reactivation of the virus. There are a few things that can increase your risk of developing Shingles:
- Developing chicken pox prior to age 1
- Being over the age of 50
- Having a weakened immune system due to another disease
- Having Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
What are the symptoms of Shingles?
Shingles symptoms include the following:
- Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or extreme sensitivity in a certain part of your body
- Developing a belt-shaped or band-like rash
- A rash that progresses into clusters of fluid-filled blisters
- Headache
- Fever and chills
- Upset stomach or abdominal pain
- Itching
What are the stages of Shingles?
There are three stages to the development of Shingles:
Stage 1: Prodromal – the prodromal stage of Shingles is the period before the actual Shingles rash appears, but you may experience tingling, itching and/or burning throughout the area
Stage 2: Active – the active stage of Shingles occurs when a rash of blisters is present. Pain may continue for months or even years after the blisters heal.
Stage 3: Chronic – the chronic stage of Shingles is known as postherpetic neuralgia, and is characterized by persistent pain after the rash has healed. Postherpetic neuralgia occurs in up to 20 percent of those who experience Shingles. In patients over 50 years of age, it is even more common as it develops in up to 50% of cases.
What are Shingles treatment options?
Shingles can be very difficult to treat. Antiviral medications can be used to reduce the duration of this condition. Pain management doctors often use:
- Antiseizure medications – medications such as Lyrica® are often used as a form of Shingles treatment.
- Antidepressant medications and topical medications – treat long-term pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia pain
- Nerve blocks – injections which target the nerve(s) affected by the Shingles outbreak
- Spinal cord stimulation – use of a device which alters the way your brain responds to nerves which are damaged and cause chronic pain
If antiviral medications are begun within the first 2-3 days of the Shingles rash, your chances of developing complications, like postherpetic neuralgia pain, decrease.
For additional information on Shingles (Herpes Zoster Virus), please call 866-228-1108 to request an appointment with one of our Southeast Pain and Spine Care pain management providers or click to Request an Appointment.
