Postheric Neuralgia or PHN is the most common long-term complication arising from
shingles. It is a pain that persists for longer than a month after the onset of
the condition and it takes one of three froms: a continuous burning or aching
pain, a periodic piercing pain, or pain that occurs from light touch of fingers
or even clothing.
It is thought that a few factors cause the pain sensations of Shingles PHN. It
may be due to skin and nerve scaring resulting from inflammation and/or, injured
nerves or fibres that re-grow abnormally causing an exaggerated pain sensation.
Shingles (PHN): Does TENS work?
TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive, drug-free
method of pain relief. It is very useful for the treatment of PHN. Pads are placed
on or near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads
through the skin and along the nerve fibres. The pulses suppress pain signals
to the brain. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own
natural pain killing chemicals called Endorphins and Encephalins.
In many cases, stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain.
Relief may continue for several hours after the unit has been switched
off.