– Background and aims
The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block(ESPB) is a recently described technique for providing thoracic analgesia and is a relatively simple and safe procedure. Central neuraxial block has been widely used to manage pain in herpes zoster in the thoracic level. In this report, we present the successful application of the ESPB for the management of zoster-associated pain. 
– Methods– Results
Case 1 
A 60-year-old male patient had been diagnosed with herpes zoster in the right T9 to T10 dermatome 1 weeks previously. We performed an ultrasound guided ESPB with 20 ml of 0.6% lidocaine for pain control in the right T9 area. A booster injection was performed. The patient’s pain remained at NRS 1-2 even after 3 months of follow-up.  

Case 2 
A 50-year-old male patient visited our pain clinic with pain due to herpes zoster in the left T5 to T6 dermatome. The patient underwent ultrasound guided ESPB with 20 ml of 0.6% lidocaine in the left T5 level. Another ESPB was performed as a booster injection. The patient was later seen at the 12-week follow up, and reported pain score of 1 out of 10. 

Case 3 
A 46-year-old female patient diagnosed with herpes zoster in the T4 dermatome area.. We proceeded with an ESPB using 20 ml of 0.6% lidocaine in the right T4 level. One week later, the ESPB was repeated on the same site.  After 3 months of follow-up, she reported VAS score of 2/10.   

Conclusion: 
The ESPB is a simple and relatively less-invasive procedure compared to the central neuraxial blocks. It could be an effective alternative treatment for the management of zoster-associated pain in the thoracic region.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION OF THE ERECTOR SPINAE PLANE BLOCK FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ZOSTER-ASSOCIATED PAIN: A CASE SERIES