I also have a herniated disc in my lower back. When shingles first hit I thought it was just severe pain from my back then noticed this rash on back of right thigh... I was 40 at the time, 47 now.
I couldn't lay down at night and would have to get up and pace. Pain was horrible but once it was diagnosed correctly and was give inti-viral meds it was gone within a week. Thank God.