posted
I've had what it seems like is a constant headache for years and doctors never found anything, i've had three mri's over the years and it is always perfectly fine. I would always think of high csf but figured i'd have seizures and it would have gotten worse, and i have yet to get my neck checked
Is it possible to have lyme for years that cause headaches, but no other symptoms..? Just curious
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Yes. Lyme can get into any tissue in the body and lay dormant, or only cause one symptom, for years before some stressor comes along and then the Lyme goes crazy.
Lyme can also cause things you aren't aware are symptoms...such as an occasionally achy joint, difficulty tolerating alcohol, motion sickness, occasional difficulty sleeping, and other similar things that many people experience for a variety of reasons.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
If it was years with just a headache woulf it be impossible to treat then? Is there anyone out there who had a constant headache like feeling? Its depressing because what if i have like daily persistent headache or something.
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
Razzle's comment makes a lot of sense to me, and I never thought of it like that before (regarding a stressor triggering Lyme symptoms to go crazy).
I thought I was perfectly healthy (aside from unexplainable weight loss for a couple months). Then I had a severe stressor for a few weeks, it was resolved and I calmed down, and literally 2 DAYS later all hell broke loose with my body and what I now know were my Lyme symptoms.
Posts: 62 | From Chicago, IL | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Kasey,
Don't forget to take into account other symptoms you experience that certainly can be connected. One of your recent threads asks:
Does lyme cause sore neck/shoulders and jaw? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- In another thread you ask: lyme cause anxiety?
And in a different post you explain other things that are troubling you:
Vision seems very staticy, unless i just began to notice it more and it's normal.
I never have energy.. Always so tired.
I feel achy, especially waking up, when i bend my fingers feel achy, and my knees at times.
Neck and shoulders always sore, and jaw especially.. Got a tempurpedic pillow, still sore.
Hearing seems off at times, it's like i
constantly have a lightheaded feeling.
Stomach hurts a lot, and sometimes feels very tight chest.
Also nauseous a lot, just feel icky. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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D Bergy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9984
posted
Low magnesium can cause headaches. Typically migraine headaches.
Dan
Posts: 2919 | From Minnesota | Registered: Aug 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- All this does not sound like "headaches but no other symptoms" . . . so, I wonder if other doctors have failed to take the full range of symptoms seriously, family members, friends or even yourself -- discounting these as having any significance.
Don't assume all this is just the way it's supposed to be and that it's just the headaches because they are so bad that are the only symptom.
It's hard to stop and say, oh, wait, yes - there are lots of thing that are important to validate here. It all really does make sense. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Dan's reminder is important.
I know you received positive IgM lyme tests, have many symptoms that are classic, but are not yet connected with a LLMD. That can take time. Have you made an appointment yet? Will you be able to?
posted
Yes, i realize all my symptoms are lyme related but i really do wonder why i've had basically chronic headaches for years before this. I am now starting to wonder if it is lyme related, or not.
I used to be so afraid i had something seriously wrong but mri's never show anything to be concerned about. It's frustrating. My headaches are the top of my head, sometimes pounding, usually tension headache. It's just something i've always had to deal with, has anyone had constant headaches from lyme?
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
Oh and i wasn't disregarding the other symptoms Keebler. I am just trying to see if maybe the headaches i've had over the years could have been connected to lyme in any way before developing other symptoms
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
My head always hurts on they top of my head abd my eyes. Has anyone else discovered chronic headache was from lyme..?
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Absolutely. The literature is full of examples so it's certainly clear that lyme can cause chronic headaches.
Still, there are many things you can do that will help along the way as you figure out how to get lyme treated - and during.
Water, magnesium, getting enough good oils & other nutrients, posture, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I've had what it kind of seems like is a constant headache for years.. Who knows if it was lyme and other symptoms didnt come til later? :/ i guess i will go back to a neurologist.
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
I do not have any abnormal mri's so i am wondering if it is a neurotransmitter issue, persistant daily headache, or something with my neck being out place if nnot the lyme. I wish i didnt have to deal with it it upsets me a lot. It's been the same for years.
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
My memory is not always great but, I think I remember you saying at some point – you never had a scan on your neck – MRI or CAT scan.
It’s possible that your neck has been causing these headaches for years.
Just a thought, Steve
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
If i had it from lyme for years, does that mean lyme will be nearly impossible to treat? If people have had lyme for 10 years .. Does it ever go away? Can it be incurable if you have it a long time?
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
Unfortunately no one can answer these questions.
We all react differently to treatment.
The longer you have these diseases, the harder it is to treat. That’s why LLMD’s are a must for most people
Steve
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
- Cervicogenic headache
Definition A cervicogenic headache is, by its definition, any headache which is caused by the neck. The term 'cervicogenic' simply refers the cervical area, which is a part of your spine located right near the base of the skull. The pain of cervicogenic headache is usually unilateral; it originates in the neck and then spreads to the oculofrontal-temporal areas of the head.
The headache initially presents as intermittent episodes and then progresses to an almost continuous pain. Pain may be triggered or exacerbated by neck movement or a particular neck position; it can also be triggered by applying pressure over the ipsilateral upper part of the back of the neck or the ipsilateral occipital region.
Causes One of the most prominent causes of a cervicogenic headache is simply undergoing an excessive amount of stress to your neck and spine.
Risk Factors There are several factors that can contribute to making cervicogenic headaches more severe or happen more frequently. These include fatigue, problems sleeping, disc problems, current or prior injuries, poor posture and stress on the muscles.
Symptoms Common symptoms of a cervicogenic headache include a steady, non-throbbing pain at the back and base of the skull, sometimes extending down to the neck and between the shoulder blades. The pain can also be located behind the brows and forehead. Because of the location, most of the pain is felt in the head, even though the problem is originating from the spine.
Pain usually starts after a sudden neck movement, such as a sneeze. Along with head and/or neck pain, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, becoming very sensitive to light or sounds and feeling pain down one or both arms. The neck also becomes very stiff and the patient may have trouble moving.
Diagnosis The workup of cervicogenic headache begins with a careful history taking and physical examination and order of appropriate diagnostic studies that includes standard radiographs, 3-dimensional CT, MRI, and possibly electromyography; nerve blocks may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Pharmacologic management of cervicogenic headache usually starts with simple analgesics, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and acetaminophen; the response varies from patient to patient.
Combination products (eg, hydrocodone/acetaminophen and butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine) often are prescribed but cannot be recommended, given the potential for residual and rebound effects.
If all other treatment fails, judicious use of an opioid can be tried, using a sustained-release medication on an around-the-clock basis for persistent headaches to avoid a rebound effect. Invasive procedures include trigger point injections, greater or lesser occipital nerve blocks, facet joint blocks, segmental nerve root blocks, and diskography; spinal manipulation; and behavioral approaches.
Prevention There is no direct and identified prevention measures that could certainly help a person avoid episodes of cervicogenic headaches. However, as always, you are advised to take healthy diets, get proper sleep and reduce overall tension.
posted
Interesting, i read some posts online where someone had comstant headaches for years, just to find out they have lyme..
It really gives me hope that i may some day be better no matter how i feel at the moment. Amazing how critical lyme really is, and how many people it may affect and they never know about it..
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
Sometimes i just want to give up on life completely, i am so tired of always feeling like i have a headache most of the time. There's chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapy, different doctors to see, all for lyme and headaches. Makes Me feel overwhelmed and not sure what what to do next.
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Kasey,
also posted in reply to a similar post in the jaw / neck pain thread of yours:
Understandably, it's hard to know what to do first.
No one here can answer the questions that can only be answered by a medical assessment. You have to make some phone calls now to figure out who to see to assess your neck. What I suggest
in light of the fact you do not yet have a LLMD and finances / insurance seems to be a delay - for now.
1. Check both the Upledger links and the Koren links to see the lists of practitioners in your area.
Those links are posted for you in other other thread here:
2. Call the LLMD of your choice near you and see who they refer patients to for neck issues regarding BODY WORK. They may suggest a couple outright.
See if any on the Upledger or Koren lists may also be whom they suggest
3. Call your area lyme support groups. Do the same thing.
You may get some new names from both the LLMD(s) and from the support groups for someone who has been good for those with lyme and understand key issues.
And / or, of the lists from those two techniques that do not use sudden twisting movements, you may find one who has also been helpful to others with lyme.
4. Then check your insurance coverage and hopefully, some name will match.
Keep in mind that there are at least 3 kinds of medical professionals who do similar work and all could receive training in either Upledger or Koren . . . or otherwise be on the "lyme friendly" list.
DC - chiropractor
DO - doctor of osteopathy
PT - physical therapist
LMT - Licensed Massage Therapist. They not likely covered by insurance yet you may find one familiar with lyme / good for others and affordable.
All of these kinds of professionals will guide you in practical matters of posture, the kinds of stretching (nor NOT) to do and other matters
The first 2 (DC or DO) would be able to determine if you might need some kind of imaging done and what kind. They need to see you first to know - and to know the exact kind of image and how, exactly to order how that would be done.
And, if they think a referral to someone else is needed, they can also do that.
5. MAGNESIUM is still really important. 3-4 x a day, never all at once. And a good kind that is absorbable. See the details in the magnesium links set previous posted.
I saw immediate relief with MAGNESIUM NATURAL CALM. -
[ 10-14-2014, 12:17 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Are support groups only meetings in person or can you talk to people online? When i look it just has the person's email and when they meet
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You might send them an email with this message that I've taken the liberty of starting for you to save you some time and energy.
Use it, or not, change it or not. hope it helps. Copy and Paste as you like.
Re: lyme / neck adjustment question
From: ________ in _________
my phone: __________________
Hi, ____.
I've gotten positive blood tests for lyme, have had classic symptoms for quite some time and need to figure out how to get treatment.
Finances, the roadblocks and all aside in my quest to secure a LLMD, this one question for now, please.
Cranial Sacral Therapy. -- Do you know of any practitioner who is LL enough and does not twist, pop, snap the spine / neck. I've been told that both Upledger cranial sacral - and Koren techniques have helped others and are "lyme friendly" -- and there may be others out there, too.
For neck and jaw issues, pain, especially.
I understand this can be due to lyme (and magnesium deficiency) but I can't address lyme right now and
wonder if I might get some kind of relief -- and assessment for if there might be a structural issue.
I've been told by some posters at LymeNet that it is best to be sure anyone who touches me for any kind of body work should be somewhat LL - if possible.
posted
In the mean time i am going to start Magnesium, turmeric, fish oil, feverfew, japanese knockweed (?) etc. even if i take 3 or more excedrin it doesnt always really help.. Is this unusual or normal if you have lyme disease.. I also have a tolerance for excedrin. I usually will take 3.
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
Taking Excedrin every day or in higher doses can be risky, particularly to your liver.
It contains acetaminophens and you can do severe liver damage.
Or taking more than the recommended dosage.
Or taking it along with other drugs containing acetaminophen.
Or drink alcoholic drinks.
Be careful….
Steve
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
I think im going to stop taking .. But does anyone else not always getfull relief from excedrin? :/ im just tired of having. Aheadache and i hope it IS lyme related
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
i've had what i kind of feels like sometimes is a constant headache thats always there for years and years now. If it isnt lyme then idk what it could be from.
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
I bought turmeric, ginger, feverfew, magnesium, monolaunin, oregano oil pills, nettle, cat's claw, japanese knotweed. I tried the turmeric and ginger in the past for my headaches and it didn't seem to work. Is this more so something you have to take multiple times a day for it to work?
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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posted
i know taking a certain amount of some of those a days is a natural way to kill lyme but i'm mostly concerned about reducing pain
Posts: 315 | From Allentown | Registered: May 2014
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Lymedin2010
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34322
posted
I too had headaches for years & the video below tells part of my story.
After some 5 years with headaches then it felt like somebody poured clorox in my head. Then it was my neck which always felt sore & then it too eventually burned.
Then one day 16 years later I had flu like symptoms and a week later I had so much head pressure that I could not walk.
I was diagnosed with IIH, with what I believe spirochetes clogging my blood brain barrier & disrupting normal flow from spinal fluid to blood.
Posts: 2094 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2011
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