Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain condition that affects nerve fibers and skin, typically following an outbreak of shingles (herpes zoster). It is characterized by persistent nerve pain that can continue for months or even years after the shingles rash has healed. This post-herpetic neuralgia case report highlights the journey of a 64-year-old male patient suffering from PHN and his remarkable recovery through acupuncture treatment at Raleigh Acupuncture.
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN): PHN is a complication of shingles caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate years later as shingles. The hallmark of shingles is a painful skin rash, which typically resolves within a few weeks. However, in some individuals, severe nerve pain can persist, leading to PHN.
Common Symptoms of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
- Severe, debilitating nerve pain that can last for months or years
- Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the affected area
- Sensitivity to light touch (allodynia)
- Itching and numbness
- Difficulty sleeping and performing daily activities
Patient Profile
Our patient in this post-herpetic neuralgia case report, Mr. John Smith (a pseudonym for privacy), a 64-year-old male, experienced a shingles outbreak three years prior. Despite the resolution of the rash, he was left with excruciating nerve pain that persisted daily. His primary care physician prescribed gabapentin, a common medication for nerve pain, but it provided little to no relief. The constant pain severely impacted his quality of life, affecting his sleep, mood, and ability to perform daily tasks.
Mr. Smith sought treatment at Raleigh Acupuncture after exhausting conventional medical options. During his initial assessment, he described his pain as a constant burning sensation, with occasional sharp, shooting pains in the area where the shingles rash had been. The pain was most intense in the evenings, making it difficult for him to sleep. He rated his pain level at 8 out of 10 on the pain scale.
Acupuncture Treatment Protocol for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we have developed a unique protocol specifically designed to address nerve pain, including PHN. Our approach combines traditional acupuncture techniques, electroacupuncture, and targeted herbal treatments.
Initial Sessions: The initial phase of treatment focused on reducing inflammation and calming the nervous system. Acupuncture points along the affected nerve pathways, including points on the back, legs, and feet, were selected to promote overall relaxation and pain relief.
Electroacupuncture: Subsequent sessions introduced electroacupuncture to enhance the effects of traditional acupuncture. This technique involves applying a mild electric current to the needles, stimulating the nerve fibers more effectively, and helping to reduce pain and inflammation.
Herbal Medicine: In conjunction with acupuncture, a personalized herbal formula was prescribed to support nerve health and reduce pain. The formula included herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Case Results
These are the results experienced by Mr. Smith in this post-herpetic neuralgia case report.
Immediate Improvement: Mr. Smith reported a significant reduction in pain after the first session. He experienced fewer shooting pains and noted that the burning sensation had lessened.
Progress Over Time: By the fourth session, his pain level had dropped to 4 out of 10. He could sleep through the night without being woken by pain and felt more energetic during the day.
Complete Relief: After six sessions, once a week, over six weeks, Mr. Smith experienced complete relief from his nerve pain. He described feeling “pain-free for the first time in three years.” He could resume all his normal activities without discomfort and no longer needed to take pain medication.
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia Discussion
Mr. Smith’s case demonstrates the effectiveness of the unique acupuncture protocol developed at Raleigh Acupuncture for treating PHN. Unlike gabapentin, which had little effect on his nerve pain, acupuncture provided a holistic approach that addressed both the symptoms and underlying causes of his condition. The combination of traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and herbal medicine worked synergistically to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote nerve healing.
Mechanisms of Relief
Endorphin Release: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing immediate relief from pain.
Nerve Regeneration: Electroacupuncture promotes nerve regeneration and repair, addressing the root cause of PHN.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The herbal medicine used in conjunction with acupuncture helps reduce systemic inflammation, further alleviating pain and promoting healing.
Conclusion
This post-herpetic neuralgia case report highlights the remarkable success of acupuncture in providing complete relief from PHN for a 64-year-old male patient. Mr. Smith’s journey from debilitating nerve pain to pain-free living underscores the potential of acupuncture as a powerful and effective treatment for chronic nerve pain conditions. At Raleigh Acupuncture, our dedicated approach to resolving nerve pain through our unique protocol offers hope and healing to those suffering from PHN and similar conditions.
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What our Clients are Saying
For the past 13 years I suffered from peripheral neuropathy in my calf, ankle and foot. I tried numerous medications, therapy with lights, neuromuscular massages and back decompression. I felt like I had stones under the ball of my foot. After the first couple of sessions with Dr. Mark, feelings returned to my calf, ankle and the “stone like feeling” under the ball of my foot began subsiding. Thanks to Dr. Mark, I am able now to walk without pain and discomfort. The extraordinary care and attentiveness I am receiving from Raleigh Acupuncture in treating my neuropathy is remarkable and I recommend them without reserve!
I’m a semi-professional weight lifter. I never had a problem until my hip went out doing squats. The pain was tremendous, like a sharp nerve pain down the back of my leg into the calf. It had sidelined me for two months while I tried unsuccessfully to work out the pain. Then a buddy suggested acupuncture. He had a similar hip pain and got relief at Raleigh Acupuncture. I went there and got treated. They told me to stop stretching until the injury was healed. I followed their instructions and got half a dozen treatments. The pain started easing after the first few treatments. I continued for another 6 treatments and was totally cured. I was able to get back to lifting with no residual effects of the injury. I’ve recommended this practice to a number of friends since that time and they all have had good experiences.
I have neuropathy that is a burning, tingling pain down my legs and into my feet. The doctor said there was nothing I could do besides pain medicine, since I am diabetic. The meds didn’t help much and made me feel groggy all the time. I tried acupuncture, after seeing a segment on Dr. Oz. I found Raleigh Acupuncture online and liked their website. They had a lot of useful information. The treatments were interesting. They used electric acupuncture on my legs and feet that felt like a tingling massage. They said it
would take a few treatments to start kicking in, and they were right. The burning pain slowly started to recede, and the tingling went away. I was truly amazed to feel such a difference in my legs and feet. I know so many people with neuropathy, and they are afraid to try acupuncture. I think they are crazy not to try it. What a difference not to be in constant pain anymore. I don’t need medication for my legs.
I woke up one morning and started getting these excruciatingly painful shooting electric pains on the left side of my face. My wife took me to the emergency room and they said I had trigeminal neuralgia. They gave me some pain medicine, but a nurse there suggested I try acupuncture. She had this pain once and it was cured by acupuncture. She gave me the name of Raleigh Acupuncture. When I explained the situation they took me in the same day. After just one treatment I started feeling better. They saw me every day for six days, at which point the pain was completely gone. What a life saver. I strongly recommend getting acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia.
