Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Managing Chronic Shingles Pain

Question
I'm a 76-year-old female, in quite good health overall, until a shingles attack last March.  It was followed by PHN of the most painful sort, constant level 3-4 pain, with sharp stabbing attacks at an 8-9 pain level.  Three nerve blocks were of minimal benefit.  Oxycontin-20 (AM & PM) was prescribed for pain, now reduced to oxycontin-10 (AM & PM), plus gabapentin-600 4-per-day, and 2 lidoderm patches for 12 hours each day.  The general pain level remains constant, the attacks somewhat less frequent but ongoing.  I'm fearful of continuing the oxycontin to a dependency level, as well as anxious to be pain-free.  Can chiropractic or acupuncture treatment relieve this kind of pain?  Is there any further treatment you can suggest?

Answer
acupuncture may be of help.... I don't think this is the appropriate problem for the chiropractor.  I would also continue with the nerve blocks, if they can hit the right nerves, it should help.   You have almost finished all the normal treatments... the only other one would be the capascin cream 4 times a day in that area.... a lot of work but it helps if you keep up with it.