Use of TCM Acupuncture for Treatment of Pain and Skin Rash Associated with Herpes Zoster

What is it about?

Introduction: There are several treatment options for pain associated with herpes zoster (HZ; shingles). However, many patients, especially the elderly, experience side effects of medication. Therefore, pain associated with the HZ infection remains a challenge for effective management. Recently, the efficacy of acupuncture has been evaluated for pain therapy in acute HZ. This case report describes the use of traditional Chinese acupuncture for the treatment of pain and skin rash associated with HZ in a clinical setting. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old Caucasian female with lower back pain (LBP) and lateral irradiation to the left leg, accompanied by a skin rash in the lower back and pelvic area that was caused by acute HZ, was observed at a Health Management Organization (HMO) clinic. The patient was prescribed analgesic, antispasmodic, and antiviral medication. These medications caused urinary retention, and the patient was directed to the Outpatient Pain Clinic of a Medical Center for further treatment. At the Pain Clinic, the patient was prescribed an urgent epidural steroid injection to prevent the suspected development of peripheral neuropathy, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and acupuncture. The patient refused to receive pharmacological treatment and was treated with weekly 20-minute sessions of Chinese acupuncture for five weeks. Conclusions: The present case report describes a conceivable effect of acupuncture on acute pain caused by HZ in a patient who could not be treated pharmacologically. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the effect acupuncture in the management of acute and neuropathic pain caused by HZ.

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Why is it important?

The present case report describes a conceivable effect of acupuncture on acute to subacute pain caused by HZ in a patient who could not be treated pharmacologically. Therefore, in the present case acupuncture was the available treatment method.

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