Originally Posted by mrsD

I would try an ice pack on your lower back twice a day for 20 minutes. The family of herpes viruses lives in the dorsal roots of the spine, and can activate at times of "stress" or body changes. Ice will put them into a sleeping state if they are trying to activate. They can also be stimulated by a diet too high in arginine and low in lysine. So taking a gram or 2 of lysine daily may help.

Pain that starts in a dermatome fashion, moving from the spine around the torso is typical of shingles. It can occur anywhere. I had mine down my right arm. (from working midnights, which my doctor made me stop). Sometimes there is just pain, with no rash.