Why do shingles hurt so much

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Many things remain a mystery about this chronic condition, in which the herpes zoster virus affects the nerves and causes pain, usually involving the chest wall. It causes a burning or stabbing sensation in the area where the shingles outbreak first occurred. The nerves may become more sensitive, or the virus may be reaching and damaging the central nervous system. The virus cannot be removed from the nerves.

That means transmitting the appropriate signal to the brain. Rosenquist says. We are trying to turn that nerve off. As it does so, VZV produces the painful symptoms of shingles. Talk to your doctor about ways you can manage pain caused by shingles. In this video, Nethea shares her story with shingles. Watch her and her physician discuss the the painful rash that woke her in the middle of the nigh Getting the Shingles Vaccine at Your Pharmacy. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk for shingles.

Both conditions are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. After a bout of chickenpox resol