Could This Be Delayed Postherpetic Neuralgia?
I’m a 33-year-old male experiencing a range of discomforts including sharp, dull, and burning sensations radiating from my lower left back, extending to my hip and buttocks, and occasionally shooting down to my groin or leg. This has fluctuated for over two years. At 17, I contracted shingles, during which the rash and pain affected areas that are now experiencing these symptoms. I don’t remember the specifics of the treatment I received, but it likely involved antiviral medication or steroids along with pain relief options for about six weeks. The doctors were surprised by the severity of my condition at such a young age. A few years post-shingles, I developed psoriasis; however, none of the plaques are located near the painful areas, and I haven’t had a shingles outbreak since then, to my knowledge. About a year ago, I consulted a urologist who performed a CT scan with contrast, an ultrasound, blood tests, and a urinalysis, but all results were unremarkable. Six months back, my general practitioner conducted similar tests, and once again, everything came back normal. Recently, I’ve started visiting a chiropractor and a massage therapist, which has occasionally alleviated my discomfort. I also incorporate a baseball for self-massage, mobility exercises, and yoga twice a week into my routine. Could this pain be attributed to delayed Postherpetic Neuralgia or nerve damage from the shingles infection I experienced 15 years ago? I’m reaching out because I’ve been perplexed by this issue and am yearning for some relief. Over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Lidocaine barely make a dent in my pain, and since I’m recovering from Substance Use Disorder and alcoholism (celebrating over ten years of sobriety), I avoid opiates. This persistent pain is becoming a significant nuisance, affecting my mobility—simple tasks like walking my dog feel daunting. If there’s a chance this is something I should discuss with a neurologist, I’d like to explore that option first. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 9:11:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort that is impacting your daily life, and your history with shingles could be relevant to your current symptoms. Your pain may indeed be related to delayed Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which can occur following a shingles infection. Here’s a clearer breakdown of the situation and some actionable steps:
Main Points:
- Your symptoms might be linked to delayed Postherpetic Neuralgia or nerve damage from shingles.
- Recent evaluations by specialists have not revealed any immediate physical issues.
- You’ve made commendable lifestyle adjustments, but the pain persists, affecting your mobility.
Explanation:
Postherpetic Neuralgia is a condition characterized by lingering pain in areas where shingles (herpes zoster) has occurred. It is caused by damage to the nerves during the shingles infection, leading to ongoing discomfort long after the rash has healed. Your symptoms, including the variety of pain sensations and their distribution, could match this diagnosis, especially given your shingles history.
Even though you’ve undergone tests that came back normal, the nature of nerve pain can sometimes mean that standard imaging and tests may not fully capture the underlying issues. Additionally, the chronic pain you face is valid, and it's understandable that you seek effective solutions.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Pain: Keep a detailed log of your pain—note when it occurs, its intensity, any associated activities, and responses to treatments. This will provide valuable insight for any healthcare provider you consult.
-
Consider Neurology Consultation: Given your ongoing issues and the history of shingles, discussing your symptoms with a neurologist can be beneficial. They can assess for nerve-related issues and potentially recommend specific treatments or therapies designed for neuropathic pain.
-
Explore Alternative Pain Management: Since standard over-the-counter remedies have limited effectiveness, consider discussing options such as:
- Topical treatments (like capsaicin cream, if not already tried).
- Antidepressants or anticonvulsants (such as gabapentin or duloxetine), which can help manage nerve pain.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for coping strategies, which can also reduce the perception of pain.
-
Reassess Physical Therapy: Given that chiropractic and massage therapy have provided some relief, consider a targeted physical therapy regimen focusing on stretching and strengthening the lower back, hips, and legs. A specialized physical therapist can tailor exercises for nerve pain management.
-
Stay Active with Caution: Continue your mobility exercises and yoga, as these are important for maintaining physical function. Ensure you adjust movements to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
-
Monitor Lifestyle Factors: Stress and fatigue can amplify pain sensations. Continue utilizing healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques, to help manage these aspects.
Conclusion:
Your pain shouldn’t overshadow your quality of life, and it’s okay to seek further evaluations and alternative treatments. You are not alone in feeling this way, and addressing your symptoms with healthcare providers who understand chronic pain can lead to better management. Please keep tracking your symptoms and advocating for your health needs as you explore these next steps.
Related Questions
Understanding Prednisone Usage and Withdrawal
A 38-year-old woman, measuring 5’10 and weighing 125 pounds, with no smoking or drinking habits and a background of autoimmune disease, encountered a viral infection in December. In response to her condition, a specialist recommended a tapering regimen starting with a 40mg dose of prednisone for five days, followed by a gradual reduction through 30mg, 20mg, and 10mg over a total period of 20 days. After completing the course and halting the medication, she experienced severe symptoms approximately 36 hours later, including intense vomiting, debilitating headaches, and widespread pain throughout her body. Any physical contact provoked discomfort, leaving her in distress. Unable to reach her original provider, she consulted another physician who prescribed a lower dosage of 4mg of prednisone, instructing her to decrease the amount by 1mg every three days. Remarkably, she felt relief upon returning to the 4mg dose. However, she expressed concern regarding the potential effects when she ultimately weans off the medication entirely. She is seeking guidance on whether this method of tapering is typical and which specialist might be best suited to manage her prednisone treatment moving forward.
Recurring Mysterious Rash Every Year, All Tests Negative
Hello everyone! I'm an 18-year-old female, and I don't consume alcohol, smoke, or engage in any recreational drug use. Around the middle of January last year, I noticed a gradual appearance of a rash across my body that escalated into a severe illness after approximately a week and a half of its onset. Currently, I find myself in a similar situation, suggesting that this might be a yearly recurring issue. At the moment, the rash isn't itchy, although I've recently had a mild sore throat. Thankfully, I don't have any other signs of illness right now. Last year, when I was unwell, it was an incredibly challenging experience; I felt extremely weak, had a runny nose, persistent cough, sore throat, and even experienced moments of confusion due to fever. The rash did become itchy once I fell ill. During last year's episode, I sought medical advice and underwent several tests while dealing with the rash. All results came back negative, including tests for mononucleosis. The only positive result was for a common cold. Having received vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella during my childhood (despite having had those diseases), I'm fairly certain this isn't related to any of them, and I believe I tested negative for those as well last year. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you from a financially struggling college student!
Persistent Swelling in Armpits for Over a Decade Without Discomfort
Hello everyone! I’ve been dealing with persistent swelling in my armpits for over ten years now. The swelling is more pronounced on the right side compared to the left. Interestingly, there is no pain associated with it, and both areas are soft to the touch. I don’t have any other health conditions that could be linked to this issue. Does anyone have insights on what might be causing this?
Navigating MALS Challenges: Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone! I’m a 36-year-old female dealing with multiple health conditions, including EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), and ulcerative colitis, among several other unrelated issues. I wanted to share my experience with MALS, which has been confirmed for me. Back in May 2024, I underwent revision surgery. Unfortunately, the recovery did not go as hoped. Due to my EDS, the celiac artery lacks the ability to function independently, which my surgeon described as it being "too floppy." At that time, I accepted this outcome because the excruciating pain had subsided, and I was able to eat and gain weight again. However, now I find myself facing a resurgence of pain that is quite intense. A CT scan I had last week revealed severe stenosis in my celiac artery, coupled with a soft tissue prominence at the diaphragmatic crus and the beginning of the celiac axis. Currently, I’m taking Norco 10-325 three times a day and Lyrica 75 mg three times daily. While these medications provide some relief, the pain is overwhelming, and I can’t help but feel as if I’ve returned to my previous struggles from two years ago. Doctors are suggesting that the only option is to go in and "clean out the adhesions". I come to you all for your insights: Do you think pursuing a clean out procedure is advisable, or could it pose too much risk considering my EDS? I appreciate your thoughts and thanks for reading my story.
Sore Throat and Tonsil Discomfort for Three Weeks
For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing significant pain in my tonsils. After consulting with urgent care, I underwent tests for both strep throat and mononucleosis, but the results were negative. The doctor advised me to be patient as the discomfort was expected to subside on its own. Unfortunately, my condition worsened, prompting me to return to urgent care three days later. During this visit, I was prescribed dexamethasone, a type of steroid, along with a ten-day course of amoxicillin. Remarkably, my symptoms began to diminish within hours. However, just three days later, I am starting to feel the throat and tonsil pain return. I am still on the amoxicillin regimen. What could be causing this resurgence of pain, and what steps should I take next?