Lyme Disease and Chiropractic Care
yme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in North America, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Deer ticks, which feed on the blood of animals and humans, can harbor the bac- teria and spread it when feeding. This under-estimated and often misdiagnosed disease originated right here in Lyme, Connecticut; hence the name Lyme disease. Lyme disease signs and symptoms vary widely
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because Lyme disease can affect all regions of the hu- man body. Not everyone with the disease will experi- ence all the signs and symptoms, but in general, Lyme disease can cause rashes, chronic fatigue, flu-like symptoms, diffuse joint pain that travels, depression, neurological problems, and in some advanced cases heart problems and liver dysfunction. This disease has been labeled the “great imitator,” because it mimics various other conditions, which is why it is commonly misdiagnosed. It is commonly mistaken for depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. Lyme disease, if undetected and untreated, can be life threatening. In my practice over the last twenty years we have had patients present with a plethora of symptoms. However, over the last five years it seems that more patients are presenting with chronic fatigue, depres- sion, and migratory joint and muscle pains. I often question if Lyme disease is present and just not being tested for, or if patients are testing as false negative. It has been estimated that more than sixty percent of people with Lyme disease test negative once symp- toms emerge.
Lyme disease has
been
labeled the
“great
imitator” because it mimics various other
conditions
When patients enter our office for chiropractic care, we perform a complete history and review pre- senting facts. If Lyme disease is a possibility we refer the patient for appropriate testing and evaluation. If the patient is diagnosed with Lyme disease we have a holistic approach to assist the patient in the fight against Lyme. In chiropractic we realize that a natural avenue to help the host fight the disease is to boost the immune system. As a chiropractor, I look to the spine because the spine protects the nervous system and the nervous system controls all systems, organs, and tissues of the body. We target the spinal areas that have direct influence on the host’s immunity and make sure these vertebra are working properly. If they’re not, specific adjustments are made that will stimulate the immune system’s reaction and provide enhanced resistance. There are plenty of studies which demonstrate an increased white-cell count following a regimen of chiropractic care; these studies support this form of care for immune-suppressed conditions, such as Lyme. Along with chiropractic adjustments to the spine other vital roads that lead to conquering this disease include diet, supplementation, and daily moderate exercise. We guide patients with nutritional, dietary and exer- cise recommendations. Over the past four years I have had the opportu-
nity to provide care for Joseph Bradley, a local author who was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He went to many doctors, trying to find out what was causing his various symptoms of ill-health. Joseph visited a few
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