Understanding the Risk Factors of Nerve Pain After Shingles

An estimated 1 million people are affected by shingles, a viral infection of the nerve’s roots, each year in our nation. While many recover from this condition’s effects, about 50% over 60 years of age will continue to suffer. The pain can last anywhere from a few weeks to the rest of your life. Fast treatment for shingles is a must, but understanding the risk factors for nerve damage after your bout with the condition is just as important.

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Know the Factors

According to researchers, older people often suffer from postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the nerve pain that occurs after an episode of shingles. If over three months pass after a person’s shingles have healed and pain is still present, they will more than likely be diagnosed with PHN.

While researchers continue to look into the many facets behind nerve pain, they have identified five risk factors for nerves after shingles:

  • Being older
  • Being female
  • Showing the symptoms of shingles, such as numbness, itching, tingling and pain, before the actual rash has appeared
  • Aggressive pain in the initial stages of the condition
  • Having a severe shingles rash

According to a publication in Neurology, the number of risk factors usually determines the likelihood of having PHN. Fast action against your shingles can be an effective way to prevent nerve pain after the condition has ended. However, if you’re currently suffering from nerve pain after shingles, know that Total Pain Care is here to help.

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Your Well-Being is Our Priority

At Total Pain Care, we know that your nerve pain can keep you from doing what you love, but there’s no reason to continue suffering. Our pain-management specialists are determined to evaluate the source of your pain to provide the most effective treatment.

Whether you’re in need of nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to take a stand against your condition, contact Total Pain Care in New Jersey for more information.

Category: News

  1. Ronald Amaya, PA-C is a Physician Assistant. He attended Weill Cornell Medical College and received his physician assistant degree in NYC. He has 18 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery and over 8 years in pain management. Dr. Amaya is NCCPA board-certified in medicine and surgery.

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  2. Paulette Scott, MD is a pain management specialist. Dr. Scott is also the pain management representative at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Boston. She fulfilled her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and completed her fellowship in pain management at Harvard Square Clinic. Dr. Scott is board-certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management.

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  3. Andrew D. Bunn, MD is a pain management specialist. Dr. Bunn also serves as the co-director of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, as well as the Program Director for Lahey Hospital & Medical Center and Newborn Services | MassGeneral Hospital for Children. After earning his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, he completed his anesthesia residency at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where he also completed his fellowship in pain management. He is board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management.

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  4. David D. Ford, MD is the Director of Pain Management. Dr. Ford earned a medical degree and completed his residencies in both surgery and anesthesiology. He joined the staff of Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Watertown in 1990. He is board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain management. Dr. Ford specializes in painful disorders of the spine and sports-related injuries. He has initiated the use of advanced interventional techniques for the successful treatment of these and other conditions.

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