Herpes Virus & Back Pain

Back pain can come from numerous sources. A pulled muscle or pinched nerve can lead to discomfort and sometimes debilitating pain. Diseases and infections such as appendicitis, pancreatitis or stomach ailments can cause back pain. This article focuses on back pain associated with herpes virus infection, specifically that due to shingles.

About Herpes viruses

• Up to 90 percent of the population is infected with a herpes virus. Most infections are not life-threatening and are often asymptomatic. Herpes viruses initially infect humans by entering through the skin and then infect neurons. The virus remains in a resting state in the neuron. Reactivation of the virus results in the symptoms associated with infections (e.g., cold sores or genital lesions). Many people don't realize that the virus that causes chickenpox, varicella zoster virus (VZV), is a member of the herpes virus family. Reactivation of VZV on a person's back, neck or hip results in painful symptoms of the disease shingles.

From Chicken Pox to Shingles

• Chickenpox infections are common in children and while the symptoms are uncomfortable, the disease is easily resolved. Adults may also get chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, you develop immunity to possible future infections. After initial infection and symptoms resolve, the virus remains in a resting state in your body. The virus may reactivate later in life to cause the disease shingles.

Shingles Symptoms

• Shingles can be identified as pain, tingling, itching, burning or numbness in a particular location on your body, such as the back. In addition, shingles may appear as a rash at the site of pain. This rash may be red and itchy with liquid-filled blisters that eventually scab over. Shingles rashes are usually localized to a particular region of the body such as the hip, neck or back.

Treatment Options

• If you think your back pain is due to a herpes virus infection, consult a doctor. A doctor can prescribe medication that inhibits virus replication and can alleviate symptoms associated with the infection. In addition, a doctor can correctly diagnose that this is reason for your back pain.

Prevention/Solution

• Shingles rashes are contagious, so keep the rash covered, try not to scratch and wash your hands and clothes that come into contact with the rash often. If you're 60 or older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you get a shingles vaccine as a preventative measure. Consult your doctor if you're interested in vaccination or need other strategies to manage your symptoms and pain.