Common Supportive Options
Targeted Nerve Blocks
In selected cases, nerve blocks may help calm irritated nerves and reduce acute or persistent shingles-related pain.
Medication Review
Your consultant may adjust or optimise medications that aim to reduce nerve sensitivity and improve comfort.
Trigger Point Injections
For muscular tension that develops around the affected area, targeted injections may help ease secondary pain.
Rehabilitation Support
Gentle physiotherapy or mobility guidance may help restore movement and reduce guarding caused by pain.
Why Specialist Treatment for Shingles Pain Matters
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which affects the nerves supplying the skin. While the rash typically heals within weeks, the nerve irritation can persist, leading to ongoing discomfort. This pain may be burning, sharp, sensitive to touch or triggered by light contact with clothing.
Specialist assessment helps distinguish between acute shingles, healing stages and post‑herpetic neuralgia. Consultant-led care ensures that treatment is tailored to the type and severity of symptoms, aiming to reduce pain, support recovery and improve daily function.
Consultant-Led Assessment and Diagnosis
Your care begins with a detailed consultation, which may include:
- Review of the onset and pattern of symptoms
- Examination of the affected area
- Assessment of nerve sensitivity and skin changes
- Review of previous treatments or medications
- Discussion of how pain affects sleep, movement and daily life
In some cases, additional investigations may be recommended to rule out other causes of nerve pain or to guide treatment.
Targeted, Evidence-Based Interventions
Shingles-related pain often responds best to a combination of approaches. Depending on your symptoms, your consultant may recommend:
- Nerve blocks to calm irritated nerves
- Medication optimisation to reduce nerve sensitivity
- Trigger point injections for secondary muscular tension
- Topical treatments to soothe sensitive skin
- Rehabilitation support to restore movement and reduce guarding
These interventions aim to reduce pain, improve comfort and support recovery during and after the shingles episode.
Focused on Long-Term Relief and Function
Our goal is to help you regain confidence in movement and daily activities. Treatment plans may include:
- Gradual return to normal activity
- Skin care advice during healing
- Strategies to manage nerve sensitivity
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up
- Support for post‑herpetic neuralgia if symptoms persist
By combining targeted interventions with supportive care, we aim to help you achieve meaningful, sustainable improvement.
When to Seek Urgent Care
While most shingles cases can be managed safely, urgent medical attention is needed if:
- The rash affects the eyes or vision
- You experience severe headache or confusion
- The rash spreads rapidly or becomes significantly infected
- You develop weakness in the face or limbs
- You have a weakened immune system and symptoms worsen
Your consultant will advise you on what to monitor and when to seek immediate help.
Book a consultation to discuss personalised options for managing shingles-related pain.