I had shingles when I was in my 30's! Under my right breast, under my arm to the middle of my back. Hard to breath and move.
The only thing I got from the doctor then (20 years ago, ouch!) were pain killers. Helped, but not much. They are very painful.
Since I've already had them, I cannot take the vaccine now.
Good luck to your neighbor. He'll just have to tough it out with medication and time.