Shingles (PHN) and TENS

Shingles (PHN): What is it?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.

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, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain. Relief may continue for several hours after the unit has been switched off.

Some links to check out:

http://www.herpes.org.uk/shingles/

http://www.ehendrick.org/healthy/000465.htm

http://www.medindia.net/Patients/PatientInfo/shingles.asp

http://www.aftershingles.com/glossary.html

http://xtramsn.co.nz/health/0,,8065-1669898,00.html

There are many more links to search out. You might try searching several different search terms to see more results.

Go to our TENS ordering page to see the different models we offer