My DH had shingles about 18 years ago at age 32. From his shingles, dd#3 got chicken pox and then my other three got the pox and then it went through their entire school, I think all from DH's shingles. I had it about 8 years ago at age 40. I thought I had pulled a muscle too. They didn't give me that med and I was miserable and in a lot of pain. Hope you get to feeling better soon!!! I did not have any permanent pain, though the spot where I broke out has a little bit of nerve damage and the skin does not have as much feeling anymore.