Shingles causes a painful rash on the skin.
Shingles is a common complication of past infection with the varicella zoster (chickenpox) virus. Fortunately, pain after shingles infection is preventable with vaccination and treatable with exercise and medication.
Types
According to the Mayo Clinic, both mental and physical exercises can reduce lingering pain after shingles infections.
Features
Mental exercises for relief of shingles pain include stress reduction, mindful breathing and relaxation techniques. Physical exercises include stretching, yoga and tai chi. These exercises can be done alone or as part of a group.
Considerations
People who never or rarely previously exercised should consult their doctor before beginning a new exercise or workout regimen.
Misconceptions
Post-shingles pain might be confused with pain caused by other medical conditions such as a heart attack or kidney infection; patients should seek prompt care from a doctor if pain is sudden, intense or accompanied by other symptoms.
Time Frame
Pain after shingles can last for months or years, which is a complication referred to as postherpetic neuralgia.
Benefits
Using physical or mental exercise to reduce pain from shingles can improve the quality of life and increase the ability to perform self care and household activities without side effects such as those caused by medications.
Tags: after shingles, pain after, pain after shingles