Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. While it’s often associated with a characteristic bull’s-eye rash, many patients never develop this telltale sign, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year. However, the real number may be significantly higher due to challenges in diagnosis and reporting
Do you suspect Lyme disease may be causing your symptoms?—Contact a patient care coordinator now
Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can affect multiple body systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can mimic other health issues. These may include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Neurological issues
- Cognitive difficulties
- Cardiac problems
- Vision changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive issues
Lyme disease symptoms can be diverse and non-specific, making it a challenging condition to diagnose and treat effectively.
Testing for Lyme Disease
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose Lyme disease. The most commonly used diagnostic tool is a two-tiered approach, which involves an initial ELISA blood test followed by a Western blot if the first test is positive.
However, this method has limitations and may result in false negatives. This is especially true in the early stages of infection when antibodies may not have had time to develop. Once the disease progresses, it can become harder to treat.
Shortcomings of Conventional Lyme Disease Treatment
The standard treatment for early Lyme disease is a 2-4 week course of antibiotics, usually doxycycline. This approach can be highly effective when the disease is caught early. However, for many patients, especially those with delayed diagnosis, this treatment may not fully eradicate the infection.
One of the main limitations of conventional treatment is its focus on eliminating the Borrelia bacteria without addressing the broader impact of the disease on the body. Lyme can affect multiple systems—including the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, leading to symptoms that may persist even after antibiotic treatment.
The Borrelia bacteria are also known for their ability to evade the immune system and adapt to antibiotic treatment. This ability to “hide” within the immune system can lead to persistent infection and ongoing symptoms, a condition often referred to as chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).
Schedule an appointment, or call (404) 814-9808 to let us help you get to the bottom of your troublesome symptoms.
The Integrative Approach to Lyme Disease Treatment
The integrative approach aims to support the body’s innate healing abilities while simultaneously combating the infection and managing symptoms.
At its core, the integrative approach recognizes that Lyme disease is more than just a bacterial infection. It’s a complex condition that can affect multiple body systems and interact with other health issues. Integrative practitioners create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
This approach typically involves a combination of therapies, including but not limited to:
- Targeted antibiotic therapy
- Herbal and nutritional supplements like Japanese Knotweed, Cat’s Claw, and andrographis can support the immune system, combat infection, and help manage symptoms.
- Dietary modifications to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and provide the body with the resources it needs to heal. An anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended for Lyme patients.
- Detoxification supports the body’s natural detox pathways, which may be overwhelmed by the toxins produced by Lyme bacteria and co-infections. (Aggressive detox can sometimes lead to a temporary worsening of symptoms, known as a Herxheimer reaction, in Lyme patients)
- Mind-body techniques for stress management. Some patients find relief through practices like acupuncture or energy healing modalities.
Schedule an appointment, or call (404) 814-9808 to speak with a patient care coordinator.
Chronic Lyme Disease
Chronic Lyme disease, also known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), is characterized by persistent symptoms even after standard antibiotic treatment. Up to 34% of people who have Lyme disease experience PTLDS.
The exact cause of chronic Lyme is not fully understood. Some theories suggest:
- Persistent infection: The Borrelia bacteria may survive antibiotic treatment
- Autoimmune reaction: The initial infection may trigger an ongoing immune response
- Neurological changes: The infection may cause long-lasting changes in the nervous system
It’s worth noting that many patients with chronic Lyme also have co-infections, such as Babesia or Bartonella. These additional infections can complicate treatment and may require specific targeted therapies.
Book an in-person appointment or virtual consultation now with CentreSpringMD to begin your journey to freedom from chronic Lyme symptoms.
For patients currently battling Lyme disease, the integrative approach offers a comprehensive strategy for managing symptoms and supporting overall health. While the journey may be challenging, many patients find that combining conventional and complementary therapies leads to significant improvements in their quality of life.
CentreSpringMD is a leading integrative medical center in the Atlanta area. Patients have full access to a wide range of medically reviewed services for physical and mental health. Get the support and treatment you need for Lyme disease, chronic pain, hormone imbalance, depression, weight loss, and much more.
