Archive for the ‘Pain Management’ Category

Study Says Opioids No Better Than Placebos For Back & Neck Pain

https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/opioids-no-better-than-placebos-for-back-and-neck-pain-new-study-says

Opioids No Better Than Placebos For Back and Neck Pain, New Study Says

By: Cindy Perlin, LCSW

7/10/23

A new study just published in The Lancet, a highly respected mainstream journal, reported that patients with low back pain and neck pain who were prescribed opioids did no better than patients given a placebo. The randomized, controlled study of 347 patients found that there was no significant difference in pain scores between the two groups at six weeks. A year later, the placebo group had slightly lower pain scores,1.81 compared to 2.37 for the opioid group. The average age of participants in the study was 44.7 years and they all had lower back pain, neck pain or both for 12 weeks or less.

According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), 10-12% of those prescribed opioids develop an addiction. Despite the fact that over a million Americans have died of opioid overdoses to date, opioids continue to be widely prescribed as noted by the CDC. After peaking in 2012 at 81.3 prescriptions per 100 persons nationwide, the prescription opioid rate was 43.3 per 100 persons in 2020. However, some counties had rates that were nine times higher than that. This study indicates that many pain patients are being unnecessarily exposed to devastating and potentially fatal risks for absolutely no benefit.

I believe that the reason that opioids continue to be so widely prescribed despite the risks is that healthcare providers and patients have heard so often that “opioids are the best treatment we have for pain”. This statement has been repeated so often by pharmaceutical interests and their enablers despite the lack of evidence that most people believe it. Will this study be enough to change these beliefs? I doubt it.

Besides patients’ and healthcare providers’ frequently reinforced beliefs that “opioids are the best treatment we have for pain”, there are several other barriers that get in the way of change. These include:

Healthcare providers are not educated about safer and more effective alternatives.

One survey of medical school curriculum in the U.S. found that physicians were receiving less than two hours of education about pain during their four years of medical school. Post-graduate education is largely sponsored by the drug companies, who fund the medical journals through advertising, sponsor most of the continuing education courses and conferences that physicians attend and send sales reps to physicians’ offices to peddle their wares on an almost daily basis. There are no comparable platforms for educating physicians about alternatives to pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pain.

Insurance companies won’t pay for alternative treatments or severely underfund them.

They do not pay for acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, nutritional counseling or supplements, exercise programs, herbal treatments, light therapy or other proven pain treatments. They have not raised fees for chiropractors, mental health providers or physical therapists in over 40 years.

Government policy often blocks access to alternative treatments.

Marijuana is still federally illegal, making it inaccessible for many. The FDA has gone to great lengths to try to ban kratom, a very effective southeast Asian pain-relieving herb, and failing that, has done their best to demonize it. Several states have banned kratom. 

The FDA has also recently declared homeopathy illegal, classifying all remedies as unapproved drugs, despite significant evidence that homeopathy is safe and effective and a long tradition of its use being legal.

No federal or state laws require insurance coverage for most alternatives or adequate fees for the treatments, like physical therapy, psychotherapy and chiropractic, that are covered.

Sign My Petition to Require Insurance Companies to Pay for Alternative Treatments

The supply of alternative service providers cannot currently meet increased demand.

For instance, while the demand for chiropractic services has been increasing, the U.S. Small Business Administration reports that the five-year survival rate of chiropractic practices is only 48.9%. This is most likely due to low fees and excessive paperwork demands by insurance companies.

The physical therapy profession is currently hemorrhaging providers despite increasing demand, with over 22.000 physical therapists leaving the workforce in the last quarter of 2021 alone. Over 15,000 licensed clinical social workers left the workforce during the same time period in professions where there were already significant shortages.

There are already shortages of massage therapists and demand for acupuncturists is already increasing compared to supply. These shortages will be even more severe if insurance coverage is made available.

Find the Right Provider

The Placebo Effect and Chronic Pain

The placebo effect refers to the improvement in a patient’s condition, despite receiving a treatment with no active pharmacological properties, for example: a sugar pill. Research has consistently shown that when patients genuinely believe they are receiving an effective treatment, their bodies often respond accordingly, producing measurable improvements.

The power of placebos extends beyond a mere psychological response; it can lead to actual physiological changes in the body. Studies have shown that the placebo effect can trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural opioids), dopamine (the body’s natural mood elevators) and other neurotransmitters associated with pain relief and improved mood. This indicates that the mind possesses an innate ability to activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.

Placebo-controlled clinical trials are now standard practice in drug development, enabling researchers to evaluate the true effectiveness of new medications, or in the case of the above-described study, older medications.

While placebos have the potential to produce positive outcomes, some have raised ethical concerns about their use. They claim that deceiving patients by prescribing placebos without their knowledge undermines the principle of informed consent. However, I would counter that by pointing out that prescribing potentially dangerous drugs without warning patients of the full range of risks or the fact that a safer alternative exists is a much higher order ethical violation.

Researchers are exploring ethical ways to use placebos. Some studies have shown that even if you tell patients they are getting a placebo for their condition, it still seems to have the desired effect.

Placebos and the Power of the Mind/Body Connection

Placebos are an indicator of the power of the mind-body connection to influence our well-being. The effectiveness of placebos in pain management has been observed for both acute and chronic pain. Placebos have shown significant analgesic effects in conditions such as migraines, osteoarthritis, and even post-surgical pain. They have been proven to reduce pain intensity, increase pain tolerance, and enhance overall well-being. Placebos have also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and to improve sleep.

Want to try a placebo for yourself or a loved one? Here is a placebo you can order on Amazon:

Conclusion

Many safer treatments for back pain, neck pain and other types of pain exist and should be offered to patients instead of misinforming patients that “opioids are the best treatment we have for pain”. A “best” treatment doesn’t have the potential to kill people.

Cindy Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, the author of The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free and the founder and CEO of the Alternative Pain Treatment Directory. She has been helping her clients in the Albany, NY area reach their health and wellness goals for over 30 years. She also provides virtual pain consults. See her provider profile HERE. 

For more:

BTW, in the effort of staying real: The Lancet and other journals have been caught numerous times publishing fraudulent studies and pushing politics rather than science:

Category:

diet and nutrition, Hemp Oil, Herbs, Inflammation, Pain Management, research, Supplements, Treatment

About Cytokines in Lyme Disease and Related Conditions

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/cytokines

Updated: 6/27/23

By Dr. Marty Ross

About Cytokines in Lyme Disease and Related Conditions

Lowering inflammatory cytokines made by the immune system is essential for Lyme disease and related conditions recovery. In this article and video, I discuss why this is so and lay out a nutritional support plan using supplements to lower cytokines.

Cytokines are proteins made by various types of white blood cells to turn on the immune system to attack invaders like:

  • bacteria (for example, Lyme germs and the co-infections),
  • intestinal yeast,
  • parasites,
  • viruses,
  • Lyme and mold toxins,
  • environmental toxins, and
  • heavy metals toxins, like lead and mercury.
Cytokines are Good, Right? Well, Yes and No.

In the right amount, cytokines promote healing. In excess, they cause all of the major Lyme disease symptoms and dysregulate the immune system. The problem in chronic Lyme and associated diseases is that they are usually made in excess. Fortunately, there are some great steps you can take to lower cytokines. (See top link for article and video)

For more:

Category:

Detoxing, diet and nutrition, Inflammation, Lyme, Pain Management, Supplements

Case Report: Lyme Disease Causes Inflammation of the Spinal Cord

https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-inflammation-spinal-cord/

CASE REPORT: LYME DISEASE CAUSES INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL CORD

lyme-disease-spinal-cord
There have only been 8 documented pediatric cases of Lyme disease causing transverse myelitis. In this report, the authors describe the ninth case involving a 10-year-old boy.
By 

In their article “Case report: Subacute transverse myelitis with gait preservation secondary to Lyme disease and a review of the literature,” Colot and colleagues describe a 10-year-old boy who suffered from neck pain with irradiation in the upper limbs for 13 days.

Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. Diagnosis requires clinical symptoms and evidence of inflammation within the spinal cord via cerebrospinal fluid analysis and/or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of transverse myelitis typically includes oral steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, and immunomodulatory therapies.

“Clinical features consist of sensory disturbances in most patients, followed by weakness and sphincter dysfunction. Children suffer from more severe clinical impairment than adults,” the authors wrote.

In fact, one study found 89% of the pediatric patients were bed- or wheelchair-bound or required assisted ventilation.

In this case report, Colot et al. provides evidence that the clinical presentation of neuroborrelial transverse myelitis differs from classical TM.

“TM secondary to Lyme disease is more often subacute with gait preservation and is limited to the cervical spine,” the authors wrote.

Lyme disease triggers inflammation in spinal cord

A 10-year-old boy presented to his pediatrician with “persistent nocturnal and rotational neck pain with irradiation in the upper limbs for 13 days with a feeling of heaviness and paresthesia in the fingers.”

The boy also had a fever for 11 days, along with fatigue and headaches.

MRI findings of the spine suggested longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM).

“A spinal MRI showed an extensive T2 hypersignal between C1 and C7, with a normal T1 signal confirming the diagnosis of LETM.”

An extensive workup was performed using blood serologies and autoimmune factors. A CSF analysis found an increased white blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid.

“The patient was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone IV for 5 days and Ceftriaxone IV,” the authors wrote. After 48 hours, the boy’s symptoms decreased, his CSF bacterial culture was negative and Ceftriaxone was stopped.

He remained on steroids but 2 days later, his neck pain and laterocollis (head tilted to one side) reappeared.

“Our case illustrates that neuroborrelial TM should be treated with long-term [antibiotic] therapy and that steroids do not seem to improve the prognosis.”

Since the patient lived in a tick-endemic area, he was tested for Lyme disease.

“The test results of Borrelia IgG in the blood and intrathecal IgG synthesis were positive, confirming the diagnosis of TM secondary to Lyme disease,” the authors explained.

“The patient reported that he had an erythematous spot in the neck a few months back, which was suggestive of an erythema migrans, but he did not remember that he had suffered from a tick bite,” the authors explained.

After 23 days of treatment with Ceftriaxone and Doxycycline, the patient made a complete recovery.

Authors Conclude:

“After an extensive review of the pediatric literature, we wish to emphasize five aspects of TM secondary to Lyme disease:”

  1. presentation is more often subacute
  2. lesions are mainly located in the cervical spine
  3. gait is usually preserved
  4. sphincter dysfunction is unusual
  5. recovery is usually complete after prolonged antibiotic therapy

The authors suggest: “[Transverse myelitis] in a subacute presentation, gait preservation, a discrepancy between the severe mainly cervical imaging manifestations and the minimal clinical signs and symptoms, and the absence of sphincter dysfunction should raise suspicion of TM secondary to Lyme disease.”

References:
  1. Colot C, Adler C, Mignon C, De Leucio A, Jissendi P, Fonteyne J, Aeby A. Case report: Subacute transverse myelitis with gait preservation secondary to Lyme disease and a review of the literature. Front Pediatr. 2023 Mar 16;11:1064234. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1064234. PMID: 37009275; PMCID: PMC10061057.

_______________

**Comment**

This patient, like all others presented in the literature, needs extensive follow-up, which never happens in mainstream medicine and/or research.  My hunch is this poor kid will have symptoms later on that will never be connected to this event.  I pray I’m wrong.

Further, nothing is mentioned about coinfections, which are the norm not the exception.

Category:

Lyme, Pain Management, research, Transmission, Treatment

Best Supplements For Arthritis

https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/the-best-supplements-for-arthritis

The Best Supplements for Arthritis

The Best Supplements for Arthritis

By: Cindy Perlin, LCSW

3/26/23

There is no one treatment that will address all the complex factors that affect the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Certain supplements can be very helpful for reducing arthritis pain and improving function . Some of the most powerful are turmeric, fish oil, ginger, SAM-e, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and CBD.These supplements have anti-inflammatory and/or joint rebuilding effects.

The best results will be obtained by combining supplements with an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise and stress management. There are also therapies that can be very effective, for the treatment of arthritis, including acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, low level laser therapy and pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF).

Anti-inflammatory drugs can have serious, even fatal, side effects, including causing potentially fatal GI bleeding and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes and reducing immune response. Using safer, natural supplements to reduce inflammation and pain is a better strategy.

Although OA was once considered primarily a degenerative and non-inflammatory condition, it is now recognized as having inflammatory aspects, including elevated cytokine levels, as well as potentially being connected with systemic inflammation.

Turmeric 

Turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA).  This herb is traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. It also blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the target of the anti-inflammatory prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex).

In a small 2012 pilot study, curcumin reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac (Voltaren), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Unlike NSAIDs, curcumin was not found to be associated with any adverse events.[3]

A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements of the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium without the gastrointestinal and cardiac risks of NSAIDs

A 2018 study lasting 12 weeks found that both turmeric and turmeric combined with boswellic acid improved function and reduced joint pain, though the combination worked better to improve performance than curcumin alone.

So turmeric could be part of the answer to the question, “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, extract (more likely to be free of contaminants) or spice. For OA: Capsule, typically 400 mg to 600 mg, three times per day; or 0.5 g to 1 g of powdered root up to 3 g per day. For RA: 500 mg twice daily. Curcumin is a key chemical in turmeric

Shop for Products with Turmeric 

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)

Fish oil reduces inflammation and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and preliminary studies indicate it may have a similar effect on osteoarthritis. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA), which block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. The body converts them into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. Resolvins are molecules that promote resolution of cellular inflammation, allowing inflamed tissues to return to a healthier state.EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for RA as well as many other inflammatory conditions.

A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.

A 2005 study of people with RA showed enhanced positive effects when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil.

A 2018 review of the evidence of the benefits of fish oil for RA found that consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids significantly improved eight disease-activity-related markers.

Fish oil is also important for brain, eye and heart health. It also helps with anxiety and depression. It is safe, with no significant adverse effects. So it just may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Fish, capsules, softgels, chewable tablets or liquid. For general health, two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended. However, it’s difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone. To treat arthritis-related conditions, use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For RA and OA, up to 2.6 g, twice a day

Ginger

Ginger decreases joint pain and reduces inflammation both in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex). Ginger also suppresses inflammatory molecule called leukotrienes and switches off certain inflammatory genes, potentially making it more effective than conventional pain relievers. Side effects are limited to mild gastrointestinal upset in some patients.

A 2010 study of 247 patients with knee OA found that ginger reduced knee pain when standing and walking and improved quality of life.

In a 2012 in vitro study, a ginger extract called Eurovita Extract 77 reduced inflammatory reactions in RA synovial cells as effectively as steroids.

For OA, In one trial of more than 200 patients, Eurovita Extract 77 improved OA pain after standing and walking.

A 2015 study found that using ginger extract nanoparticals in a cream 3x a day for 12 weeks improved knee joint pain, daily activities, sports activities and quality of life. There were no adverse effects.

A 2017 study of twice a week self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with OA found patients had reduced pain and improved function after one and five weeks.

A 2019 study found that ginger can alter gene expression in people with RA to improve disease manifestation.

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Powder, extract, tincture, capsules and oils, up to 2 g in three divided doses per day or up to 4 cups of tea daily. In studies, 255 mg of Eurovita Extract 77 (equivalent to 3,000 mg dried ginger) twice daily.

SAM-e

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a compound found naturally in the body that has anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting and pain-relieving effects. In studies, supplementing with SAM-e was as effective at relieving OA pain as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and celecoxib, without their side effects. A systematic review published in 2011 of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of osteoarthritis found consistent evidence that SAM-e was effective in the management of osteoarthritis. No adverse effects were found in any of the studies.

SAM-e also has a mild to moderate antidepressant effect, and is frequently used as a natural alternative to anti-depressant medication..

The typical SAM-e dose is 1,200 mg daily. It will take a few weeks to see the effects..

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a major component of joint cartilage and levels drop as people age. It also helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine produced in the body provides natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage and may lubricate joints, helping cartilage retain water and prevent its breakdown.  It is often combined with chondroitin (see below).

Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from animal bones or fungi.

The largest study to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) looked at 1,600 people with knee OA. The first phase found that patients with moderate-to-severe arthritis experienced significant pain relief from combined glucosamine and chondroitin. The 2008 phase found that glucosamine and chondroitin, together or alone, did not slow joint damage. In the two-year-long 2010 phase, glucosamine and chondroitin were found as effective for knee OA as celecoxib (Celebrex).

Other research has suggested that glucosamine does slow joint damage. A 2008 retrospective study of nearly 275 patients found those using glucosamine for at least 12 months underwent half as many joint replacement surgeries as those on placebo.

In a small 2012 study, an improvement in symptoms after 12 weeks was seen with combined glucosamine and NSAIDs, and a smaller but still significant improvement with glucosamine alone. Study authors speculate that long-term treatment with glucosamine may reduce dependence on NSAIDs and delay disease progression.

Glucosamine may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as increased blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure. This supplement can increase eye pressure in people with glaucoma.

A 2018 review and metanalysis published in JAMAof all of the therapeutic agents used for knee arthritis long term, including analgesics, antioxidants, bone-acting agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular injection medications such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, symptomatic slow-acting drugs in osteoarthritis and putative disease modifying agents,  found that only glucosamine sulfate was associated with pain improvement. This also may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into a drink); 1,500 mg once daily or in three divided doses to prevent stomach upset. Often combined with chondroitin. May take up to one month to notice effect.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a component of human connective tissues found in cartilage and bone. In supplements, chondroitin sulfate usually comes from animal cartilage. Reduces pain and inflammation, improves joint function and slows progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Chondroiton is believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Helps cartilage retain water and may reverse cartilage loss when used with glucosamine.

The largest study to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) looked at 1,600 people with knee OA. (See above under glucosamine for results.)

A separate 2011 study showed a significant improvement in pain and function in patients with hand OA using chondroitin alone.

A 2013 review of the evidence on use of chondroitin for OA concluded that chondroitin has a beneficial effect on different kinds of cells involved in osteoarthritis and that it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with OA.

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements appear to be safe and constitute another good answer to the question, “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Chondroitin taken with blood-thinning medication like NSAIDs may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are allergic to sulfonamides, start with a low dose of chondroitin sulfate and watch for any side effects. Other side effects include diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.

Arthritis Foundation Recommended Dosage: Capsules, tablets and powder; 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily in two to four divided doses. Often combined with glucosamine. Allow up to one month to notice effect.

Shop Anti-Inflammatory Products

CBD (Cannabidiol)

Research has shown that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation. CBD may also help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body.

Though research to date has been somewhat limited, both animal and human studies have shown positive effects.

In a 2019 study published in the journal European Journal of Pain, researchers found that CBD gel applied to the skin significantly reduced joint swelling and pain in rats with arthritis. The study suggested that topical CBD may be a safe and effective treatment for arthritis-related pain and inflammation in humans.

In a 2020 study published in the journal Pain Medicine, researchers found that CBD treatment improved pain and sleep in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggested that CBD may be a promising therapeutic option for management of pain and other symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A 2020 study published in the journal Cell Death and Disease concluded that “CBD possesses anti-arthritic activity and might ameliorate arthritis via targeting synocial fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions.”

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that CBD se was associated with improvements in pain, physical function,and sleep quality. The majority of respondentsreported a reduction or cessation of use of other medications after CBD use.

Shop for CBD Products

Other Beneficial Supplements for Arthritis

Other supplements that have evidence of effectiveness for arthritis include: Borage oil, Boswellia, Bromelain, Cat’s Claw, Devil’s claw, DMSO, Ginkgo, GLA, MSM, Pycnogenol, St. John’s Wort and Stinging Nettle.

Find Providers Who Treat Arthritis with Nutrition

Conclusion

There are many supplements that can reduce arthritis pain and functional limitations. All of them are less risky than using pharmaceuticals for pain relief. The supplements not only reduce pain, they appear to have a beneficial overall biological effect on the disease process.

________________

For more:

My last experiment for treating residual Lyme/MSIDS arthritis pain has been an elimination diet to determine what is causing the inflammation/pain.  This is quite a process but certainly an entirely new education on food and the body.  Again, what works for one doesn’t work for another but in my case food is a huge player.

So far I’ve discovered I can not tolerate gluten or nightshades.  I’ve already limited sugar, grains, and alcohol.  Still trying to figure out if there is any dairy I can partake of as well as nuts/seeds and other grains or beans.

One thing is for sure: if you suffer with enough pain you can give up almost anything!

Category:

Herbs, Inflammation, Pain Management, Supplements, Treatment

LDN For Lyme

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/low-dose-naltexone-lyme-disease

Updated: 3/21/23

About Low-Dose Naltrexone for Lyme

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is very useful in Lyme disease. This low-cost medicine can

  • improve nerve, muscle, and inflammation pain,
  • decrease autoimmune illness triggered by Lyme,
  • improve mast cell activation symptoms,
  • lower cytokine inflammation, and
  • improve immune system function by increasing TRegs to balance Th1 and Th2.

In this article, I review the science and method for how LDN works. I describe how to use it in Lyme disease, and I review potential side effects.  (See link for article & video)

________________

For more:

Category:

Inflammation, Lyme, Pain Management, Sleep, Supplements, Treatment