Joint-Friendly Workouts to Ease Arthritis Pain and Stiffness
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to inject new life into your workouts. Here are some moves that make it easier to move.
Learn to Recognize Shingles Symptoms Early
Did you have chickenpox as a kid? Are you experiencing similar symptoms as an adult? Unfortunately, shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, which never leaves the body. Even decades after your chickenpox disappeared, the virus lies dormant in nerves near the spinal cord and brain.
Doctors aren’t certain what causes the virus to resurface, although it’s believed that stress or allergies can be triggers. When the virus does return, it can be extremely unpleasant.
Dr. Dinash Yanamadula at the Princeton Pain and Spine Institute, located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, can help you recognize the early symptoms of shingles. This will help you seek help early, rather than waiting until you’re in a lot of pain to schedule an appointment.
Common symptoms of shingles
One of the most common early symptoms of shingles is pain in one small part of the body. This will normally occur on your side, and eventually grow into an itchy rash surrounded by blisters. These blisters may ooze with a clear or white-looking liquid. (Yes, it’s as gross as it sounds.) The rash will hurt to touch and may be associated with a fever, feelings of tiredness, and maybe a sensitivity to bright lights. The rash can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Even after it starts to fade, the pain can linger and turn into numbness or tingling. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact Dr. Yanamadula for an evaluation. He can diagnose shingles based on the appearance of the rash, which is not contagious at this point. He can prescribe a treatment plan to help keep you comfortable as your body heals. Unfortunately, shingles can’t be cured, but pain medications and cold therapies can be used to provide relief in the meantime.
Is shingles contagious?
You can spread shingles to people who have never had chickenpox — but they will get chickenpox, not shingles. The most likely way the virus is transmitted is through contact with the blisters. You can’t transmit shingles to people who have had chickenpox, because they already have the virus in their bodies.
Learn more about the shingles virus
If you’re concerned that you might have shingles or want more information on the early signs of the disease, it’s best not to wait. You can reach Dr. Yanamadula for an appointment at 609-308-3589, or book an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you feel better soon.
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