Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
(Shingles Pain)Post-herpetic neuralgia is one of the most common complications of shingles, causing persistent nerve pain that can last months or even years after the rash has healed. At Silver Pain Centre, we provide specialized interventional treatments to help reduce your nerve pain and restore your quality of life.
What is Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain)?
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, reactivates as shingles and damages nerve fibers during the outbreak. Even after the shingles rash clears, the damaged nerves continue sending exaggerated pain signals to the brain, resulting in persistent burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the area where the rash occurred. PHN most commonly affects the torso, face, or neck and is more likely to develop in adults over 50 or those with weakened immune systems. Without proper treatment, the pain can significantly impact sleep, mood, and daily function.
Persistent burning or aching pain in the area of a previous shingles rash
Sharp, stabbing, or shooting nerve pain that comes in waves
Extreme sensitivity to touch, clothing, or temperature changes
Numbness, tingling, or itching in the affected skin
Why Does Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain) Occur?
Post-herpetic neuralgia develops when the shingles virus causes significant damage to sensory nerve fibers during an outbreak. Several factors can increase the risk and severity of PHN:
- Age: Adults over 50 are significantly more likely to develop PHN after a shingles outbreak, with risk increasing with each decade
- Severity of the shingles outbreak: A more extensive rash and more intense acute pain during the initial shingles episode increase the likelihood of lasting nerve damage
- Delayed antiviral treatment: Starting antiviral medication more than 72 hours after rash onset reduces its ability to limit nerve damage
- Location of the rash: Shingles affecting the face, particularly the trigeminal nerve, or the torso carries a higher risk of developing persistent pain
- Weakened immune system: Conditions or medications that suppress immune function can allow the virus to cause more extensive nerve injury
- Chronic health conditions: Diabetes and other conditions that affect nerve health may contribute to prolonged pain and slower recovery
- Lack of vaccination: The shingles vaccine significantly reduces both the risk of shingles and the likelihood of PHN, particularly in older adults
Your Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain) Treatment Options at Silver Pain Centre
Silver Pain Centre provides interventional treatments designed to target the nerve damage underlying post-herpetic neuralgia, reduce pain signaling, and help restore daily function.
Medication optimization and management: Targeted nerve pain medications including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical therapies
Nerve block injections: Local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory injections to calm overactive nerve pathways
Intercostal or paravertebral nerve blocks: Targeted relief for PHN affecting the chest wall or torso
Trigger point injections: Address secondary muscle pain and tension caused by chronic guarding
Pulsed radiofrequency treatment: Non-destructive nerve modulation to reduce pain signals without permanent nerve damage
Neuromodulation therapies: Advanced options including spinal cord stimulation for persistent, treatment-resistant PHN
Topical and transdermal therapies: Prescription-strength lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream, and compounded preparations for localized relief
When to Seek Help for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain)
If you are experiencing persistent pain in an area where you had a shingles rash, whether it has been weeks, months, or even years, specialized treatment can help. Post-herpetic neuralgia does not always resolve on its own, and early intervention can prevent the pain from becoming more deeply established. At Silver Pain Centre, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options that go beyond standard medications to target the source of your nerve pain directly.
At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:
Collaborative Care
Fast Access
Advanced Diagnostics
Our North York facility uses imaging such as MRI, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy to pinpoint the exact source of your pain.
Non-Surgical Options
From nerve blocks to radiofrequency ablation, we provide targeted treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Interventional pain procedures performed to date
Years of specialized pain management experience
%
Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys
Image-guided injections performed monthly
Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions
Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.
Book a Consultation for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain)
You do not have to live with the lingering pain of shingles. Silver Pain Centre offers specialized, evidence-based treatments designed to target post-herpetic nerve pain at its source, helping you sleep better, move more comfortably, and reclaim your quality of life.