Most people who develop shingles find that within a few days after symptoms begin their immune system is able to fight the virus, and that is the end of the story. However, some patients find that they experience pain for months or even years after the shingles rash is gone. This pain is called Post-herpetic Neuralgia.
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) occurs when the virus that causes shingles damages nerves near the infection. This damage creates exaggerated and distorted messages to the brain, causing pain that can be debilitating. Post-herpetic neuralgia can dramatically impact patients’ quality of life. This type of nerve pain is often described as the most severe pain that an individual has ever experienced. Patients with PHN can also experience insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and other challenges.
In allopathic medicine there is no cure for PHN. Standard Western treatments include pharmaceutical medications to relieve the pain, ranging from steroids to prescription painkillers, antidepressants, and stronger medications like opioids may be used. Because of the connection between the immune system, diet and stress, some patients find that these factors may modulate their PHN symptoms.
Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to treat the virus and heal the nerve damage that are at the root of post-herpetic neuralgia. Acupuncture works in several ways, most importantly reducing pain and inflammation. Acupuncture therapy also helps to speed the healing of the nerves, and Chinese herbal medicines with anti viral properties are sometimes used to make sure that all remnants of the virus have been eliminated from the body. Research shows that acupuncture is very effective for reducing this type of chronic pain.
Orlando Acupuncture
Dr. John Barnett and his team at Orlando Acupuncture are some of Florida’s best and most experienced doctors when it comes to treating chronic pain. Treatments of chronic pain caused by conditions like PHN and complex immune disorders are our specialty at our Orlando Acupuncture Clinic.
Dr. Barnett has developed specific protocols for Post Herpatic Neuralgia over his many years of experience. Our clinic blends cutting edge therapies with traditional acupuncture to deliver optimal results.. Because we use effective clinical techniques such as DNA acupuncture we are able to provide effective and lasting results with treatments that are painless and relaxing. If you or someone that you know is suffering from PHN contact the clinic to find out if Dr. Barnett’s revolutionary protocols can help you.