Answer: Shingles is a herpes
zoster virus similar to the virus identified in chicken pox. Your description of acute severe pain in the
mid-back along the ribs is the most common nerve root region to be affected. Many patients will experience severe pain
and some only slight pain. Most
shingles conditions demonstrate a blistering rash that follows along the
nerve’s path, usually along the ribs in the back or chest. Another area that I have observed shingles
in my patients is on the face. This is
also a very sensitive and painful area.
It is almost as common not to get a rash initially or at all, which
makes it difficult to diagnose shingles.
Many patients may have just a few red marks and no pain or minimal
pain.
Why
it is so painful and why it affects only certain people at certain times is
still difficult to discern. My
observation is that the patients that experience the herpes zoster virus are
those that are under extreme stress or have just resolved a stressful
condition. I believe a healthy lifestyle
of eating wholesome foods, mental relaxation, physical exercise, and proper
rest are helpful in minimizing the contraction of the virus. Maintaining a healthy immune system will
definitely help predisposition to the virus as well as any virus.
Chiropractic
has helped my patients with shingles by balancing the nervous system and
directly effecting the immune system. I
am always postulating why two people exposed to the same virus will react
totally opposite, one contracting the virus while the other does not. Shingles falls into the same category as all
the unknown causes of disease -- the weakening of the immune system. Strengthen your nervous system with
chiropractic treatment and you will assist your immune system.
Quote
of the week: “If you’ve made up your
mind you can do something, you’re absolutely right.” – Anonymous