3. Shingles.
Another highly common cause of nerve pain is shingles. This viral infection, which is caused by varicella-zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox, is comprised of a rash, and the rash can be exceptionally painful; however, it is not life-threatening.
If you have chickenpox at any point in your life – even during childhood – you can develop shingles. Often, it occurs later in life. Shingles usually only affect a single section of the body; the lower back, one leg, or one arm, for example. Symptoms are usually present as a burning or tingling sensation, itching, blisters that are filled with fluid and cover the affected area.
Pain in the affected site also develops. Other symptoms can include lethargy, fever, light sensitivity, and an intense headache.
Typically, pain is the first symptom. The pain that is associated with shingles can remain long after other symptoms that are associated with the virus subside.