Pain After Shingles (Postherpetic Neuralgia)

Lasting Nerve Pain After a Herpes Zoster Outbreak

What Is It?
Many people think of shingles as a painful rash that clears up in a few weeks. But for some, the pain doesn’t go away — even after the skin has healed. This lingering nerve pain is called postherpetic neuralgia, and it’s the medical term for chronic nerve pain that persists after a shingles (herpes zoster) outbreak.

It happens when the virus damages or sensitizes sensory nerves beneath the skin, causing ongoing pain signals long after the visible rash disappears.

Common symptoms include:

  • Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the area affected by shingles
  • Persistent skin sensitivity — even to light touch or clothing
  • Tingling, numbness, or itching where the rash once was
  • Pain that disrupts sleep, mood, or daily activity

Commonly Affected Areas

Postherpetic neuralgia can occur anywhere shingles appears, but it most often affects:

  • The chest or ribcage (thoracic region)
  • The face or scalp (especially around the eye or temple)
  • The neck, back, or lower body in some cases

How Cryoneurolysis Helps

Cryoneurolysis is not a treatment for shingles itself, but for the nerve pain that remains after the outbreak. Barcelona Cryo Center uses ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis to identify and precisely target the affected sensory nerves, applying controlled cold energy to calm overactive pain signals — without permanently damaging the nerve.

Key Benefits:

  • Non-destructive: Sensory nerves are gently deactivated, not destroyed
  • Precise targeting: Ultrasound guidance ensures accurate treatment of the affected area
  • Outpatient relief: Performed in-clinic without sedation or downtime
  • Lasting comfort: Relief can last for several months and be repeated as needed
  • Drug-free option: Helps reduce dependence on chronic nerve pain medications

Ideal Candidates

You may benefit from cryoneurolysis if you:

  • Still have nerve pain weeks or months after a shingles outbreak
  • Experience burning, stabbing, or hypersensitivity in a previously affected area
  • Struggle with daily tasks or sleep due to ongoing post-shingles pain
  • Prefer a non-pharmacologic, outpatient option with minimal risk

Restore Comfort After Shingles

If you’re living with lingering pain after a shingles (herpes zoster) outbreak, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Cryoneurolysis offers a modern, targeted solution to quiet nerve pain and help you move forward with comfort and confidence.

Book your consultation with Barcelona Cryo Center today.

Neuropathic & Complex Pain Syndromes We Treat

Cryoneurolysis may offer relief for the following:

Somatic Pain Involving Sensory Nerves:

Chronic joint or tissue pain from nerve sensitization (e.g., in gout or osteoarthritis).

CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) Type 1 and Type 2:

A severe nerve pain condition that can occur after injury or surgery, with or without identifiable nerve damage.

Pain After Herpes Zoster (Shingles) – Postherpetic Neuralgia:

Persistent nerve pain following a shingles outbreak.

Diabetic & Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve pain, burning, or numbness in the feet, legs, or hands caused by diabetes or peripheral nerve damage. Cryoneurolysis can calm overactive nerves, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility.

Ready to Feel Relief?

Explore the individual conditions listed above or book a consultation today to discuss whether cryoneurolysis is right for you.

Why Patients Choose Barcelona Cryo Center

  • Minimally Invasive

    Cryoneurolysis requires only a small skin puncture. No incision or general anesthesia is needed, which means minimal tissue impact and faster recovery.
  • Outpatient Care

    The treatment is completed during a single clinic visit. Patients come in, receive care, and return home the same day without hospital admission.
  • Ultrasound Guided

    Real-time imaging ensures precise placement next to the target nerve and improves both safety and effectiveness.
  • Evidence-Based Relief

    Clinical studies show that Cryoneurolysis can provide lasting relief from chronic pain while reducing the need for ongoing medication.
  • Specialized Pain Center

    Barcelona Cryo Center focuses exclusively on chronic pain, post-surgical pain, and spastic paresis related to conditions.
  • Unique In Barcelona

    Founded in Denmark in 2014, now in Barcelona offering ultrasound guided Cryoneurolysis, as well as advanced treatments for spasticity.
  • Opioid-Free Approach

    We treat chronic pain without using opioids such as morphine or related drugs.
  • Quality Of Life Focus

    Our goal is to help people with chronic or acute pain and spastic paresis live with less pain and greater independence.

Coverage

Prices in EUR
Consultation €100
Ultrasound-guided diagnostic block €250
Cryoneurolysis treatment for pain €1,500
Hyaluron injection – consultation + injection package €400
PRP – 3 treatment sessions €930

What to Expect

1

Free Records Review

We review your medical history to see if our approach is a good fit for your condition

2

Consultation

Patients who are a good fit for treatment will meet in person to further discuss

3

Treatment

Ultrasound-guided Cryoneurolysis, minimally invasive

4

Relief

Improved mobility and quality of life; plan for next steps

Meet Your Care Team

Real clinicians, modern methods, and a patient-first approach.

Igor Filipovski

Specialist in anesthesiology

Ognen Poposki

Specialist in Rehabilitation and Pain

Sonja Zikova

Administration and Finance Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Click to open

Generally considered safe with trained clinicians; side effects can include temporary numbness, bruising, soreness.

Varies by condition; some patients have relief for months; plans can be revisited.

Coverage varies and is discussed at the consultation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Share a brief description of what you are looking for and we will follow up to schedule your consultation.
Please do not include medical history or sensitive personal information.

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Clinic Information

Address:
Pg. de la Bonanova, 91, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona

Phone: +34647915544

Monday: 16:00 to 20:00
Tuesday: 16:00 to 20:00
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 16:00 to 20:00
Friday: 16:00 to 20:00

Saturday and Sunday: By appointment