Postherpetic neuralgia is an extremely painful medical condition that affects the nerve fibers and skin. It is most often a complication of shingles, a second outbreak of the varicella-zoster virus, otherwise known as chickenpox. Called the adult chicken pox, the shingles can come on suddenly after the virus has lain dormant for many years. It is also wholly possible for postherpetic neuralgia to re-start some months after the episode of shingles have passed.

What are the symptoms of Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Postherpetic neuralgia pain can be relatively short or linger on for many years after the shingles event. Most often, the symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia occur around the area of your skin where the shingles outbreak first occurred. These symptoms can include burning, sharp and jabbing throbbing sensations in the face, deep and aching pain, hypersensitivity to touch and temperature change, Itching, numbness and severe, debilitating headaches. In rare cases, you might also experience muscle weakness or paralysis if the nerves involved also control muscle movement.
The good news is, once postherpetic neuralgia resolves it rarely returns.

What causes Postherpetic Neuralgia?

After an initial infection of chickenpox, some of the virus can remain in your body. Years later, the virus may reactivate, causing the adult version of the disease, called "the shingles." The virus then travels along sensitive nerve fibers, damaging them and causing extreme pain. Some pain can also be experienced when the damaged nerves make their attempt at repair and re-growth. Once the virus reaches your skin, it can produce a rash and/or painful blisters. A case of shingles (herpes zoster) usually heals within a month, however, an unfortunate few will continue to feel pain long after the rash and blisters heal. This pain is called postherpetic neuralgia. Pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia can impede sleep, eating, and daily exercise and can greatly affects an individual's quality of life. There are a variety of treatments that can be utilized in an effort to treat postherpetic neuralgia, but these treatments may not be enough to fully alleviate the excruciating pain often associated with the disorder.

Luckily, not everyone who has suffered from shingles develops postherpetic neuralgia.

Will Painwave X4000 Help with Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Yes! Painwave X4000 is a non-invasive, drug-free method of relief that can successfully treat the pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. Since most treatments and medications won't reduce the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, it may be best to explore new technology like Painwave X4000, which works in concert with the body’s own bioelectromagnetic ecosystem. Painwave X4000 also has no side effects, and is very easy to use. Simply move the unit gently over the surface of the skin in a small circular motion to eliminate pain. After a short period of time, the Painwave X4000 can improve circulation, cell activity and lymphatic movements. This can be extremely beneficial in the relief of pain and other discomforts. In many cases, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain permanently.

Note: The contents of this article cannot be used to diagnose any disease. If you feel you have developed postherpetic neuralgia after shingles, contact you healths care provider immediately for prompt medical attention.