Shingles

Republic Spine and Pain Our Services Shingles

Republic Spine and Pain

Interventional Pain Management Specialists located in North Austin, Austin, TX, Leander, TX, & Georgetown, TX

Shingles is a painful rash that affects one out of every three Americans and can last for several weeks. For some, shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a chronic nerve pain condition. The board-certified pain management specialists at Republic Spine and Pain, with locations in Austin, Leander, and Georgetown, Texas, provide pain management treatments for those suffering from shingles related nerve pain. To schedule an appointment, call the office nearest you or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.

Shingles Q & A

What is shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The rash can develop anywhere on your body but often appears as a strip of blisters on either side of your torso. 

The same virus that causes chickenpox, varicella-zoster, causes shingles. The virus lays dormant in your spinal cord and may reactivate as shingles. 

Shingles can occur at any time but is more common in those over age 60. You may be able to prevent the onset of shingles by getting the shingles vaccine. 

What are shingles symptoms?

Shingles isn’t life-threatening, but the rash it causes can be very painful. You may first experience a tingling, painful, and itchy area, which leads to a red painful rash of blisters. This painful rash may last up to 10 days and then scab over. 

If you suspect you have shingles, you should see your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help lessen the duration of the rash. They may also prescribe pain medication and topical ointments. 

Some people may continue to experience pain long after their blisters heal. This pain is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). 

What is PHN?

PHN is a complication related to shingles that affects your nerves and skin, causing a burning pain that can last three or more months. The affected area may also be sensitive to touch, which can make wearing certain clothing difficult. 

If you’ve developed the nerve pain associated with shingles, Republic Spine and Pain can help. 

What are the treatments for PHN?

The pain management specialists at Republic Spine and Pain specialize in the management of PHN. No single treatment provides relief from the nerve pain, and your doctor may prescribe a combination of treatments to help you get relief. 

Treatment options may include:

  • Nerve medication
  • Nerve blocks
  • Epidural injections
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit 
  • Pain patches (lidocaine, capsaicin)
  • Antidepressants
  • Steroid injections
  • Spinal cord stimulator

The pain management experts work closely with you to create a treatment plan that offers the most relief. 

Shingles can lead to complications that cause chronic nerve pain. For management of your nerve pain, contact Republic Spine and Pain by phone or online today.

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