Expert: Meg Jordan, PhD, RN - 8/24/2009

Question
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.

Meg Jordan, PhD, RN

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the response. It is appreciated. For the record, I have gone to a chiropractor, but he has offered nothing for the shingles problem and has done little that helps my back and leg pain. I find that a heating pad applied at night stops the leg and back pain for the night but it comes back in the morning when I start to walk again. Also  I find that cold water seems to alleviate the burning pain  on my head when it gets to bad to sleep. One problem I have that probably aggravates the situation is that my wife is paraplegic and I have to lift her often to put her to bed or to put her in a car seat. This I know does not help but is unavoidable. Can you think of a substitute for the heating pad or cold water? Also, the  chiropractor does not do any of the minipulation that you seem to suggest. I will try to find someone who better fits your description.  Again any futher ideas will be appreciated.
Leonardo20

Answer
I'm sorry -- I don't know what can help that nerve pain (leg and back pain at night and burning pain in head).  That requires good pain management from a reputable pain management clinic with a neurologist work-up.  This is very complex nerve pain and hopefully, just a residual of the shingles, perhaps the virus has taken up residence in ganglion associated with both areas.  This requires a more thorough work-up by a specialist.  And you may have done this already.  If so, and you have no relief, I would hope they could direct you elsewhere.  MJ