Can Lyme Disease Cause Back Pain? Learn About Post-Lyme Syndrome and Treatment Options

Did you know that New Jersey has one of the highest rates of Lyme Disease in the United States? In fact, NJ frequently gets categorized as a “high incidence” state for this condition, landing in the top ten of states with Lyme Disease occurrences. Neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New York also have particular high rates compared to the rest of the US.

While many cases of Lyme Disease are effectively treated when caught early, some people suffer long-term symptoms, often described as either chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). These lingering symptoms often include frequent bouts of joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue and even cognitive issues like brain fog. For some patients with Lyme disease, anxiety and depression may linger long after a diagnosis.

But there are other symptoms less frequently discussed that can significantly impact a patient’s life. Nerve damage and back pain may also appear as symptoms when Lyme disease turns into a chronic condition. If you’re suffering from tingling, numbness, or an aching back after having been diagnosed with and treated for Lyme Disease, you might wonder if these painful sensations will ever go away.

Many patients who experience long-term aftershocks from Lyme Disease report struggling to find the support and care they need for their symptoms. But with some studies suggesting that as many as a quarter of patients who contract Lyme Disease will suffer long-term symptoms, it’s important to understand the therapeutic options available to help manage when an acute case becomes a chronic condition. You deserve to find relief from the pain, stiffness and lingering symptoms of Lyme Disease.

At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we understand how persistent Lyme Disease symptoms can affect your life. That’s why we’re happy to offer a holistic approach to care, without the need to rely on drugs or invasive procedures. At our five North Jersey locations in Oakland, Wayne, Fair Lawn, Clifton, and Closter, we address each patient’s unique set of symptoms. As experts in back pain, we are happy to provide innovative therapies using the latest technology to help you find relief from your pain. 

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The black-legged tick (commonly known as the deer tick) is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas of New Jersey and neighboring states. This species of tick carries the bacteria and can pass it to humans through its bite.

The disease first became widely known in the 1970s when a group of children in Lyme, Connecticut began exhibiting unusual arthritis-like symptoms. Investigations linked the illness to tick bites, leading to the discovery of the bacteria which causes the disease. Since then, the disease has spread to other states and it’s estimated that close to half a million people each year will contract it from a tick bite.

Early symptoms to look out for include fatigue, fever, joint aches, and a telltale bull’s-eye-shaped rash. When caught in the early stages, Lyme Disease can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics. However, the key is timing. Treatment within the first few weeks after infection offers the best chance at full recovery.

Unfortunately, some patients go undiagnosed, begin treatment too late, or their treatment is not effective at halting all symptoms. In these cases, the bacteria can spread through the body, affecting the joints, nervous system, and even the heart.

Even after a successful course of antibiotics, lingering symptoms like back pain, numbness, fatigue, and brain fog may persist for months or even years. This phenomenon, called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), can be especially frustrating for patients who were told the infection was “cleared.” Some patients may have their symptoms dismissed or feel like they are out of good options once they are through with conventional care.

That’s why addressing the full spectrum of symptoms is so important. At Oakland Spine, we take an integrative approach to lingering Lyme Disease symptoms, working to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. We never dismiss a patient’s experience and are here to offer you hope for long-lasting pain relief.

How Does Lyme Disease Cause Back Pain?

Back pain might not be the first symptom many people think of when considering the effects of Lyme Disease. But for many patients, especially those with chronic or late-stage Lyme, it’s a very real and often persistent part of their experience.

That’s because the bacteria responsible for Lyme can travel throughout the body, where it invades joints, muscles, and even the nervous system. This leads to inflammation in the spine and surrounding tissues, especially as the body tries to fight off the infection. When the nervous system is affected, patients may develop pinched or inflamed nerves, which can cause sharp or radiating pain down the back and legs.

For patients with chronic Lyme symptoms, back pain may continue even after the infection has technically cleared. That’s because the immune system may stay activated, resulting in chronic inflammation that keeps muscles tight, joints sore, and nerves hypersensitive. The result is often ongoing stiffness, aching, and fatigue. This can make even simple movements uncomfortable.

If you suffer from residual symptoms of Lyme disease, you may have also experienced pain that seems to “move” or shift from one area to another. Unfortunately, such traveling pain is a frustrating hallmark of Lyme-related musculoskeletal issues. And for those dealing with brain fog or sleep disturbances caused by the illness, chronic pain in the back can feel even harder to manage.

At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we recognize that these symptoms aren’t just “in your head.” They are, in fact, part of the complex and often misunderstood aftermath of Lyme Disease. That’s why we offer a compassionate, full-body approach to care that targets both the physical pain and the underlying inflammation contributing to it.

Holistic and Supportive Therapies for Post-Treatment Lyme Disease at Oakland Spine

Managing chronic back pain from Lyme Disease requires more than just short-term relief. If you’ve ever been told to take ibuprofen and wait out the pain, you know how frustrating this can be. Instead of temporarily masking your pain with drugs, you need a targeted, holistic approach for proper healing to occur. At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we combine advanced techniques like deep tissue laser therapy with time-tested chiropractic care to support your body’s healing process and improve daily function.

We begin with a thorough exam and diagnostics. With information about your body’s condition, we offer gentle spinal adjustments, which work to relieve pressure on the nervous system and reduce inflammation, to restore balance to your body. Chiropractic care can be especially beneficial for those suffering from the nervous system disruption brought on by a Lyme Disease infection.

At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we aim to make every treatment safe and convenient. Not only will you be able to access some of the area’s leading chiropractors, but you’ll have the ability to supplement this care with complementary therapies. Physical therapy for instance, available at many of our locations, will help you regain strength and mobility. Our therapists design personalized programs that focus on improving posture, restoring movement, and reducing the stiffness and fatigue common in post-Lyme patients.

Our acclaimed Butler Spine Program offers the latest in ground-breaking laser therapy, which delivers targeted therapy to joints and muscle to help reduce inflammation and stimulate cellular healing. Many patients with chronic Lyme-related pain find this soothing treatment effective in calming flare-ups and supporting tissue recovery.

We also recommend rounding out your Lyme Disease therapy with acupuncture to target energy imbalances and support immune health. Our highly experienced acupuncturists have helped many patients dealing with chronic illness and are committed to providing you with lasting relief from pain. You’ll even notice a greater sense of relaxation as your body recovers its natural rhythm.

Live in North Jersey and Suffering from the Effects of Lyme Disease? Let Oakland Spine Help Relieve Your Lyme-Related Pain

We designed our integrated care model to allow you to access a wide array of complementary care, without having to bounce between providers or guess what will work. At Oakland Spine, chiropractic care, physical therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and a host of supportive therapies work together to care for you holistically. We don’t focus on masking symptoms, but work to correct imbalances at their root, to strengthen your body and allow it to heal naturally.

With five convenient North Jersey locations in Oakland, Wayne, Fair Lawn, Clifton, and Closter, expert care is always nearby. Plus, our Same-Day Guarantee means if you call in the morning, we’ll do our best to see you that very afternoon. It’s part of our commitment to your comfort, recovery, and peace of mind.

Our compassionate team understands that chronic Lyme Disease pain is real and is complex. We take the time to listen to your concerns and believe your experiences. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan that works for your body and the life you lead.

Don’t Wait to Address Back Pain

Whether Lyme Disease is the cause or not, chronic back pain deserves attention. We want you to know that relief is possible, no matter how long you’ve been suffering. Don’t delay finding the help you need. Left untreated, symptoms can worsen and further interfere with your quality of life.

At Oakland Spine and Physical Therapy, we’re here to guide your recovery with safe, effective therapies tailored to your needs. We won’t prescribe you drugs and we don’t suggest invasive surgeries. Instead, we’ll work closely with you to get your body back into balance so it can heal. Reach out today to schedule an evaluation and start the process of moving past pain today.