Acupuncture as Treatment of Post-herpetic Neuralgia: A RCT A Double-blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Acupuncture (Dry-needling) as Treatment of Post-herpetic Neuralgia: A Double-blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study is to perform the first RCT investigating the possible effect of superficial dry-needling (SDN) - a special kind of acupuncture used for PHN. The participants will be divided into two groups. Group A, the intervention group will receive SDN in the area of pain. Group B, the control group will receive a sham procedure.

The aim of this study is to investigate the possible effect of SDN on PHN. The study population consists of patients with chronic pain after herpes zoster.

The study is a controlled double-blinded randomized study. The participants will be divided into two groups, group A, the intervention group, will receive SDN in the area of pain. Group B, the control group will receive a sham procedure. The procedure will take place at the out-patient clinic at Odense University Hospital. The plan is to include 40 patients (20 in each group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 50-75 years.
• Pain in the dermatomal area of the previous outbreak of HZ.
• Pain located to a dermatome originating from the thoracic or lumbar spine.
• At least six months since the outbreak.
• Understands the purpose of the study and is able to give consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A psychiatric illness affecting participation in the study.
• Active cancer
• Pregnancy