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:
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 |
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
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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