What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. While some people notice symptoms soon after a bite, others experience a delayed or complex illness that affects daily life. Left untreated, Lyme can cause lingering fatigue, pain, and neurological issues. Though anyone can get Lyme disease, it most often impacts adults and children who spend time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas.

Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Symptoms vary widely and may overlap with other conditions, making Lyme difficult to recognize. Common signs include:

• Early symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and the classic “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans).

• Later symptoms: joint pain and swelling, nerve pain, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), brain fog, sleep disturbances, and heart rhythm changes.

• Chronic symptoms: ongoing fatigue, widespread pain, and neurological issues that persist even after standard treatment.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

The primary cause is infection from a tick bite, but how the illness develops depends on immune response, underlying health, and whether co-infections are present. Stress, nutrient deficiencies, or pre-existing conditions can make recovery more difficult. Lyme disease is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because symptoms mimic chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune disorders.

How Lyme Disease Is Diagnosed

At Aligned Modern Health, we use a root-cause lens to go beyond basic testing. Traditional blood tests (ELISA, Western blot) may miss cases, especially in early or chronic Lyme. Our functional medicine doctors use:

• Comprehensive bloodwork to assess immune activity and inflammation.

• Advanced panels that consider co-infections and overall health markers.

• Thorough history and lifestyle assessment to connect the dots between symptoms, exposures, and triggers.

This whole-body approach helps create a clearer picture when traditional testing alone is inconclusive.

Our Treatment Approach

Your care plan is tailored to your body, your symptoms, and your goals. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Functional Medicine: targeted supplements, nutrition, and detoxification support.

• Acupuncture: to ease pain, fatigue, and nervous system imbalance.

• Chiropractic Care: to restore alignment, reduce joint stress, and improve mobility.

• Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance: whole-body strategies to support immune function and healing.

Unlike one-size-fits-all treatment, our collaborative care team supports you with personalized, ongoing adjustments to your plan.

Conditions Commonly Linked to Lyme Disease

Because symptoms overlap, Lyme is often mistaken for or occurs alongside:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Fibromyalgia

• Autoimmune Conditions

• Thyroid Disorders

• Depression and Anxiety

• Mold and Environmental Illness

What to Expect From Care

Whether you choose in-person or virtual visits, here’s what your care journey looks like:

1. Initial Visit: Review of your history, symptoms, and possible exposures.

2. Diagnostic Testing: Comprehensive panels to uncover root causes.

3. Personalized Plan: A care strategy integrating functional medicine, nutrition, and supportive therapies.

4. Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and plan adjustments as your body heals.

We’re in-network with major insurance providers, making care more accessible.

Is Lyme Disease Affecting You?

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained fatigue, pain, or neurological changes, Lyme disease may be a factor. At Aligned Modern Health, we help uncover answers and create personalized care plans that support long-term recovery.