SHINGLES - Low Level Laser Therapy

Shingles also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. It occurs because of a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which remains in the nerve cells of the body after chickenpox as the virus can lie dormant in the body. The virus resurfacing is often due to mechanical, emotional or chemical stress along the specific dermatome/nerve affected.

Those who develop chickenpox are at risk of developing shingles later in life. Around 1 in 100 Australians older than 50 years, are thought to have shingles at some stage. This virus presents with an isolated burning sensation and pain that’s developed into skin lesions in a small patch on the chest, back, groin or forehead. In elderly patients the most common site is generally the face, followed by the chest area.

Factors commonly linked with shingles include:

- Patients being over the age of 50 years

- Poor diet and a lack of sleep

- vIndividuals who have HIV and AIDS

- vHave treatment to a condition which affects the immune-system (Chemotherapy for cancer patients)

- vIndividuals who have had an organ or bone marrow transplant

- Travelling

- Patients encountering physical and emotional stress

Patients with intercostal neuritis generally present with:

- Pain, burning, numbness or tingling, usually along chest or    upper back

- Itching

- A red rash that begins a few days after the pain (most  commonly develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around      either left/right side of torso)

- Blisters that are filled with fluid and end up evolving into a           crusty sensation -Touch and light sensitivity

- Headaches and fevers

- Fatigue Shingles can be managed overtime via pain relief and antiviral medication to help reduce the symptoms as well as getting vaccinated either early in your childhood or later on in life to help minimise the risk of obtaining the virus.

Cold laser therapy is another treatment option that can be used in the treatment of intercostal neuralgia (shingles). Cold Laser Therapy can be used for patients to help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain and promote faster healing for a full recovery.

It has been found that laser therapy can help alleviate the pain associated with the neuralgia shingles. The cold laser therapy works by reducing the risk of postherapeutic neuralgia by improving the blood flow within nerves, preventing large nerve fibre death.

Cold laser Therapy is a relatively new treatment option for many inflammatory conditions and is used highly in many medical facilities around the world. The treatment works well with shingles because it boosts oxygen levels, drains inflammation and speeds up healing.

At Lakeside Laser, we offer Cold Laser Therapy for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, helping to reduce pain and support recovery through safe, non-invasive treatment.

We are located in Gnangara, WA 6077—just north of Perth—and regularly welcome visitors from across the region, including Heathridge, Jubilee, Balga, Malaga, Gnangara, Quinns Rocks, Wembley Downs, Hillarys, and Joondalup.

To schedule an appointment or speak with our experienced technician Dr Linda Schiller, visit our website at www.lakesidelaser.com.au or call us on 0468 429 111. We look forward to assisting you soon.