If you were bitten by a tick, you should get tested for Lyme disease. This bacterial infection can cause headaches, body aches, fevers, and fatigue. If you do have Lyme and it's treated early, it usually only takes a few weeks of oral antibiotics for it to go away. However, if you don't get treated soon enough or you've already taken antibiotics and still feel sick, you may have what's known as post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Read on to learn more about PTLDS and how to manage symptoms with chiropractic care.
What Is Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?
PTLDS occurs when you have Lyme symptoms, like pain and fatigue, for more than six months. There is no known cause of why this syndrome happens if you've already done a course of antibiotics. The CDC says that people with PTLDS may be experiencing an autoimmune response similar to other infections, like Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Unfortunately, PTLDS is a controversial diagnosis, and there is no proven treatment for it yet. However, you should talk with your doctor about how to ease your symptoms if he or she suspects you may be suffering from this disorder. One way you may be able to manage your symptoms is by visiting a chiropractor.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
A chiropractor can make spinal adjustments which may improve the functioning of your central nervous system. Because PTLDS can cause body aches, a chiropractic adjustment can be beneficial since it can reduce muscle stiffness and control inflammation.
Some chiropractors offer massage therapy services, which has been shown to help Lyme symptoms. In one study, a woman reported symptoms of cognitive impairment, pain, and fatigue. After massage therapy, her symptoms decreased. Even though PTLDS patients have already received treatment for their Lyme, these alternative treatments could help lingering symptoms.
Your chiropractor could perform a milder modality, like Swedish massage, to encourage relaxation and reduce pain. This type of massage could help relieve muscle guarding that may be contributing to Lyme headaches and neck stiffness.
Your chiropractor may recommend lymphatic drainage massage. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system and helps your body eliminate metabolic waste and toxins. Because Lyme can cause immune dysfunction, this type of massage could help correct this issue. This type of massage could also reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissues.
Because there is no one treatment for PTLDS's symptoms, alternative treatments—like chiropractic adjustments and massage—can be great at managing symptoms until you can make a full recovery.
Contact a massage therapy clinic in your area today for more information.