I found this article on the connection between shingles and back pain interesting, having suffered with shingles myself. I've only had the one attack and it didn't affect my back, thank goodness, but some back pain blog readers may relate to this.
As reported on the news8000.com website it seems that a lady went to her chiropractor with pain in her upper right shoulder and back. She thought it was related to lower back pain.
However the pain got worse, and a few days later a rash appeared, which was diagnosed as shingles by her doctor, who put her on antiviral medication. This eventually dealt with the rash, but the pain remained.
Apparently I was one of the lucky ones, as one in five of those diagnosed with shingles suffers complications which result in after shingles pain (PHN), resulting from nerve damage caused by the virus.
This pain can be severe, and last for months, even years. With debilitating effects.
As the lady in question says "If you are over 50 and have unexplained pain, ask your doctor if it might be shingles." The reason being that early diagnosis and treatment can lessen , and even possibly prevent, the development of the virus and lower the risk of PHN.
To read the full story use this link.
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