AboutMeg Jordan, PhD, RN Expertise Clinical medical anthropologist, former director of integrative
practice at Health Medicine Institute; college instructor in holistic
health and global healing systems; registered nurse with specialty in
behavioral medicine and integrative heatlh; author of several books,
international health journalist and keynote presenter; board member
of National Wellness Institute; editor and founder of American
Fitness Magazine; former health correspondent for FOX, guest
commentator for CNN and "Today Show"; health contributor to Global
TV, Canada; radio host of GLOBAL MEDICINE HUNTER nationally
syndicated show on Health Radio Network.
Experience
Past/Present clients AT&T, Lucent, American Heart Association, ValleyCare Health Systems, MTV, FOX, CNN,
Disney, Mattel, many universities.
Question "Dear Ms. Jodan,
In March 2008, I developed shingles. I tried a number of salves, ointments and other medications including vlatrex, gabapentin and lyrica, but have really found no relief for the burning pain that I get on lying down or in any way pressing on one side of my head. I have to lie on one side or cannot sleep. Now this lying on only one side while I sleep seems to be giving me serious back pain problems. The shingles was primarily on the top and right side of my head and face. Some of the drugs that I was given either made me dizzy or caused bowel problems which forced me to take laxitives.
Do you have any recommendations to help relieve this problems? Anything will be appreciated.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Leonardo20"
Answer You developed a biomechanically induced problem due to a avoiding the pain of the shingles. So you need a biomechanical solution. I suggest finding a physical therapist who is also an orthopedic specialist and hopefully a massage therapist who can do soft tissue manipulation and myofascial release and some good old fashioned exercise to help you restore normal alignment. Some of this may be residual discomfort from the shingles -- it's a slow recovery, but I think you might just need good musculoskeletal adjustments. And get some probiotics in you everday to restore GI health.
