posted
I hate that Lyme has made it so that I have to question every symptom and every ailment, wondering if Lyme has reared its head again or maybe I do just have a sore jaw.
Because I was fairly young when I got Lyme, and because I have a Lyme brain, I can't remember what "normal" aches and pains feel like.
So...I need your help. I have two, very annoying pains right now. I would love to hear from others here to see if t is indeed a Lyme issue or something else.
The first, and most painful, is that I have a ton of pain in my SI joint. Sometimes it burns because it hurts so bad. Sometimes it makes it so that I can barely walk.
The second if my jaw. Every couple of days it seems to "lock" up. I get to a point where I cannot open my mouth much farther, and it's barely open.
I'd love to hear what you have to say! Thanks!
PS. It is so frustrating when doctors just assume that everything is Lyme-related, or worse...assume "it's all in my head" - that Lyme doesnt exist.
Posts: 49 | From Holly Springs, NC | Registered: May 2007
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
I dont know what SI joint is??
BUT I have had the locked up and painful clicking of jaw years ago,,,long before lyme(I think).
Went to the dentist and HE said it is usually caused by grinding your teeth at night,,,OR misaligned bite.
So he ground the bite better and gave me (well NOT quite) a night mouth guard. I used to use those playing high school football,,,same thing.
So I wore it a few nights, didnt lke it very well.
About this time I decided to break a BAD habit of mine. I always chewed on a toothpick. Threw the tooth pick away and solved the WHOLE problem.
I even chewed them all night in my sleep,,,,yes I DID!!!
So,,,my point IS,,,if you see any similiar things you CAN change then by all means, help yourself!!
ANOTHER thing that MAY help... Go to wally world or ANY place that sells Rx stuff and similiar products over the counter.
Buy some Osteo Bi-Flex Glucosamine /Clondritin(sp). It HELPS regenerate the joints,,,all the joints!!
I think the key ingredient is sharks cartilage. It REALLY works,,,I have talked to oodles of people that it helped their joint pains,,,never found one where it DIDNT help,,,YET!!!
It is a life send to me,,,keeps me out of the pain pill bottle,,and IF I run out for a couple days,,,I feel it quickly!!
Other two helpful things I take in same vain 2 Citrical and one GOOD magnesium suplement,,,they help with pain TOO.
dont ask me why,,but thats how it works for me,,,it can for YOU TOO. Experiment,,,take something that SHOULD help for 4-5 months then quit cold turkey.
Thats how you KNOW if something is really helping. ONE word of wisdom,,,DONT by magn. suplement at Walmart,,,THAT is junk,,,can take 6 times as much and do HALF as much good.
Walmart buys stuff based on PRICE,,,cheapest isnt always BETTER,,,JUST cheap!! The osteo is a shelf brand so they cant screw THAT up!!
Hope something HELPS YOU!!! If nothing else I can understand and support where you are right now,,,been there done that!!remaining--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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posted
I agree with just don - magnesium is really good for joints & muscles. It's hard to know what your magnesium requirement will be.
One good thing about magnesium is that if you take too much, your body will eliminate it. You'll find people with migraines who use a lot of it - you take enough until it just gives you diarrhea, then you back off the dose.
Another thing I learned is that most of us with Lyme are deficient in magnesium because the little lyme buggers use it in their metabolism!
That really stinks, because our bodies need magnesium to support a healthy immune system. The less magnesium we have = the less we can fight Lyme.
Posts: 81 | From Iowa | Registered: May 2007
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The S-I (Sacro-Iliac) joint is comprised of two bones; the sacrum and the ilium. You have two S-I joints (left and right). They are located basically where the spine meets the pelvis. Look for the two dimples in your low back. These two joints allow for very little movement overall as compared to other more prominent joints such as your hip or shoulder. The pelvic girdle is generally described as the two S-I joints, the pubic symphysis (pubic bone in front), the two hip joints, and the bottom two vertebrae (L4, L5).
What do you feel?
Pain located at or near the S-I joint on one side or both sides. Pain located in the low back, buttock, and/or groin area.
Another common symptom of a S-I joint dysfunction is ``sciatica''. Sciatica is best described as a sharp, often shooting pain that begins in the buttocks and goes down the back of one leg.
S-I joint dysfunction may also cause nerve irritation of the nerves that supply the groin or front of your thigh.
Other symptoms include:
* Weakness in one leg or both legs; difficulty standing on one leg and raising the other leg (like marching) * Numbness and tingling in one leg (pins & needles) * A burning pain located near the ``dimples'' * Difficulty raising from a chair * Muscle discomfort in the buttock, hip, or low back (over 30 muscles attach to the pelvis; from the hip, buttock, thigh, low back.
How does this happen?
S-I joint dysfunction is usually caused by an imbalance in the muscles of the hips and glutes and it can also be caused by a fall or other traumatic event, such as a car accident.
A condition known as ``hypermobility'' may also predispose an individual to S-I joint dysfunction. ``Hypermobility'' is best described as a condition in which the joints have too much mobility.
This condition generally affects women more than men. Different hormone levels present in women, specifically ``relaxin'', can influence hypermobility.
This hormone is released to prepare the body for pregnancy, and its level in the blood changes throughout pregnancy process. It basically causes the ligaments to ``relax'' and allow for more movement to occur in the pelvic girdle region.
The best treatment options
First of all, the evaluation is critical to the success of treating a S-I joint dysfunction. Most dysfunctions can be treated with manual techniques that generally involve ``mobilizations'', ``manipulations'', or ``muscle energy techniques''.
These techniques must be applied by a skilled medical professional, such as a physical therapist. These techniques can prove to be quite helpful when utilized appropriately following a thorough evaluation.
Once appropriate manual techniques have been administered, a comprehensive exercise program must be implemented to address the following areas, specifically muscle imbalances:
* Lumbar stabilization program: strengthening abdominals and buttock muscles * Improve flexibility in lower extremity musculature
Some cases may only need a detailed exercise program that addresses the muscle imbalances. You can learn more about how to identify and address your muscle imbalances by visiting http://www.losethebackpain.com
Some S-I joint dysfunctions may linger on for months and even years. Remember, if you are engaged in a current treatment plan with little to no improvement, seek other options.
If you think you may have a S-I joint dysfunction, the first step is to find a healthcare professional who is skilled and experienced in addressing muscle imbalances.
For more information on S-I Joint Dysfunction and how to treat it effectively, read the latest Back Pain Advisory from The Healthy Back Institute. You can get a free copy of it here: http://www.losethebackpain.com also available free access to the back pain forum and a free audio recording `` 7 Mistakes Most Back Pain Suffers Make''
{I would see an Ortho or pain mgt dr abt the Si Joint....I had mine treated before the dx'd of Lyme, with Lydocane.
Hope you feel better}
-------------------- Take Care, DakotasMom01 Posts: 371 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
NOW I know what it is,,,yes I had lower back problems every morning also.
Didnt know what caused it,tried going to chiro and all other remedies and didnt find the REAL cause.
Watched TV and somebody said IF you have lower back achs especially in morning rising,,,TRY putting 1 or 2 pillows between your legs all night,,,
Makes the back straighter all night. NOW waking is an entirely different experince. cant believe some SIMPLE little cure could be SO effective!!
NOW my question,,,does anyone MAKE a pillow that is sorta shaped like a butterfly?? (for between the legs above the knees??)
AND velcro straps to keep in place would be better than huge pillows you cant roll over with,,,without taking all the covers off??
Inquiring minds want to KNOW!! like --just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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the jaw pain was mostly because I was clenching down on my teeth with out noticing......
it turned out that when I was in severe pain.....sleeping or awake....
i would clench......... now i try to go by....lips together teeth apart...
sounds funny but i said this to myself about 3 times a day........it worked......
the other back problems i just went through physical therapy...
basicaly they taught me strength excersies........for the joint....lower back.....
it helped alot........ walking was the best excersise though.......
feel better..... mtree
-------------------- worrying about tomorrow takes its strength away from today Posts: 970 | From Point PLeasant , NJ | Registered: Jan 2008
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I have the jaw pain too. Mine has the same source as mtree-- clenching my teeth in pain basically 24 hours a day. I still haven't been able to completely fix it, and it also causes sensitivity in the teeth that get most of the abuse.
As far as Magnesium, I consider myself a "traditional" meds kind of person, but Mag is amazing. It can really help your pain, AND bonus, if things get a little backed up from my next suggestion, it will get them moving again.
If your jaw pain does appear to be from clenching your teeth and you know already that you're in a lot of pain, please talk to a pain management doctor.
They are experts on everything from narcotics, to physical therapy, to medications for nerves like Lyrica, and sleep issues. If you don't have one, try to find one-- ask your LLMD or local support group for a recommendation.
Feel better!
Cat
Posts: 54 | From Virginia | Registered: Jan 2008
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
I think this will always be a problem for most of us ... is it the Lyme coming back????
I had my TMJ problems fixed with orthodontics (splint worn 24/7, then braces). I was in a lot of constant pain, constantly clicked, locked if I opened my mouth a certain distance, etc. It was the choice I made.
I know I had real TMJ Disorder ... I also believe Lyme took advantage of this weak spot of mine and made it hurt more. Lyme liked the "terrain" of this joint.
I'm glad I had the TMJ work done and I can't wait to get my braces off in two weeks! It was a good decision for me, though it might not be the right one for everyone.
My bite was so horrible I clenched and grinded in attempt to get a comfortable position .... I tried the nighttime appliances ....
I get the lower back pain occasionally, too .... exercise helps ... back and ab work. Again, I think the Lyme takes advantage of our weak spots.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Dr. Just Don said..
"NOW my question,,,does anyone MAKE a pillow that is sorta shaped like a butterfly?? (for between the legs above the knees??) AND velcro straps to keep in place would be better than huge pillows you cant roll over with,,,without taking all the covers off??"
You KNOW I am laughing picturing this situation. HA!
I laugh too because I know EXACTLY what you are saying. I had the pillow problem too. And you wake up groggy and get all tangled up in the pillows and blankets trying to move.
Heaven forbid you have to get to the potty quickly!
Just Don.. do you think we could make little butterfly pillows and sell them to folks in need?
We can take pictures of you sleeping with them between your legs... and put the pics on bulletin boards all over the place.
I am SURE we would make a million on that idea!
I am NOT sure we want velcro on the pillows though. Think about that. Velcro sticking to your legs... and whatever? What a rude awakening that could be! HA!
OH.. and when we make our first thousand dollars on our butterfly pillows... I know a really nice candy store we can visit.
Actually... I went to the local Salvation Army or Hospice store (used goods) and bought a small, thin throw pillow to use for that purpose.
I baked it in the dryer and sterilized it... and covered it with a pillow case... and it seemed to be easier than having a full sized pillow stuck between my legs all night... tangling me up.
thank you for your wonderful detailed, user-friendly post on SI; I added it to my newbie package for future reference since I've had a lifetime of this problem.
TMJ is also caused by LYME! Tincup or someone just posted about this subject in the last week in medical. My jaw used to pop everytime I opened it.
my bones make noises every time I get up, and NOPE; it's not the other tooting! lol
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tooo funny.... my daughter has a pillow like that....i think from JC penny's.....
fetz... cat was right about soem meds.....
i have just been put on Lyrica........because i was not sleeping well......
i see Dr. B in redbank......not sure if you know about him..... anyway......he's pretty great.....
he put me on that to help me to get into that delta 4 sleep........and to help with pain...
ity bity dose......and it works really well...... sleeping feels soooooooo good....
it can make a HUGE change in your pain level...
hope your feeling better........ lips together....teeth a part...
mtree
-------------------- worrying about tomorrow takes its strength away from today Posts: 970 | From Point PLeasant , NJ | Registered: Jan 2008
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