posted
would lyme cause this or is this just a part of aging? If lyme could cause this, can the damage be reversed?
I am 33 and my MRI mentioned degenerative disc disease and something about a tear. I have severe spinal pain/burning b/w my shoulder blades and it runs up into my neck.
I am wondering if arthritis is the cause or if lyme caused the arthritis??
The good news is after 1.5 years of extreme headaches and burning/acid brain as I call it, my brain results were normal, no lesions!! I was very pleased about that.
Thanks
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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Amanda
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14107
posted
I have 3 bulging dics in my neck, with pain similar to what you desribe.
I had an MRI two years ago for my neck, becuase I had all this pain, and they didn't find anything.
Then I had another MRI done two months ago, and holy smokes, there is all kinds of bone spurs, dessication etc..
The Md couldn believe it, he said my spine had aged 25 years in w years... he said it looked like I had either been in a bad car accident.
I have had SO MANY test done for autoimmine disorders, even a few genetic tests, and the non Lyme MDs said I don't have an autoimmune disease, so they don't know what is causing it (duh!, its lyme guys).
My old LLMD said she saw patinets that would get lyme in their spine. I mean, the lyme can borrow into other collegn rick tissue, so why not go for your spine?
I think the thing to do is rule out as many other possibilities as possible, just to be sure.
For me, I knew it was some infectious agent when they gave me a cortizone shot, and I developed nuero issues around my head and neck afterwards (bells palsy type stuff, hearing problems etc). Plus, it made all my symptoms worse. And it wasn't a side effect of the cortizone.
-------------------- "few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example" - Mark Twain Posts: 1008 | From US | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I have degenerative disc disease in my neck (C-5 & C-6). Sometimes I get pain in my left arm. Always suspected it was related to, or caused by, or maybe aggravated by LD. We know LD can cause arthritis & Burrascano says neck arthritis is a common symptom of LD. Physical therapy has helped me somewhat.
Posts: 213 | From ohio | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
bv, That is where my disc disease is also C5 and C6. I get the pain in the left arm as well. I was thinking this was what is causing my neuro. problems, like weak legs, tingling spine, but the MRI said there was no neural compression so it shouldn't be causing the neuro. symtpoms. I guess it's just lyme. And my brain looked normal. Hoping it will get better with treatment!
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- "would lyme cause this ?"
Absolutely. Sorry. So can celiac disease, by the way. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Every single thing I read on here it seems I have been dx. with in the past.
NOW, June 1 of this year, I thought my Lupus was coming out of remission and I was diagnosed with "Late Stage Lyme Disease" which is unheard of in St. Louis.
I have Bi-Polar, PTSD, Lupus, L4-L5 ruptured discs L5-S1 ruptured discs, migraines, spastic colon, diverticulosis, IBS, fibromyalgia, arthritis, c-diff in 1997 from maintenance abx for neurogenic bladder that miraculously cured itself (thank GOD).
I could go on but I don't have my "list" in front of me.
Am I to understand that all of this is REALLY Lyme Disease??? OR do I have all of this because I have had Lyme so long I didn't know it? Now I have Lyme AND just add it to my list?
-------------------- Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired!! Posts: 153 | From St. Louis, Missouri | Registered: Jun 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- all of this can REALLY be Lyme Disease.
Most, if not all of the diagnoses are just observations. They are not something you have as a label forever so much as symptoms that go along with lyme. However, if celiac is involved, a gluten-free diet is important. Many LLMDs suggest that for their patients, along with nutritional support.
Just treating infection is not enough, the body needs nourishment and support.
posted
I am 32 and have terrible neck issues which contributes to shoulder and head pain.
I had MRI done 2 years ago and was told had degenerating discs in neck as well.
I am very curious what that MRI would show now year into Lyme treatment.
I am sorry for your pain, but I empathize.
It drives me insane to be so young yet so old Posts: 104 | From No. VA | Registered: Aug 2009
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massman
Unregistered
posted
Anything that reduces or eliminates the normal curves of the bones in your spine can and does lead to increased arthritis (disc degeneration) and pain.
So if you have had even a minor auto accident and have lyme too that really increases your risk of neck problems. ______________________________________________ The above opinion is from my experience of being a Chiropractor and treating thosands of patients with spinal problems.
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posted
Massman, I was seeing a chiropractor. Would you advise I continue seeing her or would that make disc degeneration worse by popping the joints? I believe it was really helping, but I get nervous when she cracks my neck.
I have been in car accidents in my teens - actually I was in 3 and all 3 x's the cars were totaled, but no people injuries. I was always the passenger , I just happened to be with unlucky drivers I suppose! Gosh, looking back now, I am lucky to be alive. I had forgotten about those accidents!
I wonder if this is the source of my neck pain...or it could just be lyme.
Would chiro help??
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
Oh, and one more question, what would cause a "posterior annular tear?" Would the chiro. work have caused that?
I don't see my Dr. until the 22nd and I'm just curious.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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massman
Unregistered
posted
Generally yes. May depend on the doc.
I studied with a Dr. Vern Pierce from PA, who had a very good way to examine you then treat you. He developed a way to help return curves in the neck and restore good function. No twisting, turning or cracking the neck.
Reason I mention this is that his son, also a chiro, is now located in NC. He follows his dads' style of practice. I will google him a bit and get back here with the info.
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posted
massman, is that chiro an "upper cervical chiropractor"?
Posts: 89 | From NC | Registered: Jun 2008
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massman
Unregistered
posted
No - x-rays of the neck are taken, including heads tipped forward and backwards. These give indications of which bones need adjusted. Then they are adjusted with a special machine.
Usually not much force is used, and what is used is very specific.
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, I just happened to be with unlucky drivers I suppose! Gosh, looking back now, I am lucky to be alive. I had forgotten about those accidents! 
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