Hello community,

I went through a shingles outbreak about six months ago, and while the initial rash healed within a few weeks, I’m still struggling with postherpetic neuralgia. The pain is a constant burning sensation on my left side, and it feels like someone is holding a hot iron to my skin. 

I’ve been on pregabalin for nerve pain, and while it helps a little, the pain is still very much there. I’ve also tried lidocaine patches, which give me some relief. I’ve read about people trying acupuncture and am considering giving it a shot. Has anyone here tried alternative therapies for postherpetic neuralgia? Did it help you manage the pain better?

I’m hoping to find some additional strategies to cope with this. Thanks for your suggestions!