4/20/2018

Tick-Borne Diseases
Awareness, understanding and
compassion

Dr. Onnie Thatcher

AGENDA
• Tick-Borne Disease Epidemic
• Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Acute Treatment
• Chronic Disease Treatment & Support
• 3 Tests for Tick-Borne (hands-on)

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AN EPIDEMIC
• Tick-borne disease is the
most common vector-
borne infectious disease
in the U.S.
• We need to educate our
family, friends & patients
• We will discuss & demo
chiropractic tools you can
use to help your patients

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Source: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/index.html

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Source: Wisconsin Division of Public Health 7

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U.S. MAPS

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U.S. MAPS

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TickNET
A Collaborative Public Health Approach to Tick-Borne Disease
Surveillance & Research

Figure 2. US cases of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and spotted-fever group rickettsioses reported to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001–2013. Counts include confirmed and probable cases, according to the case
definition in effect in each year. Anaplasmosis cases were reported as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis before 2008. Ehrlichiosis
refers to infections caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and undetermined species. *Babesiosis was first designated a
nationally notifiable condition during 2011.

Source: www.cdc.gov
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https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/21/9/15-0301_article
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TICK-BORNE DISEASES OF THE U.S.

• Anaplasmosis • Rickettsia parkeri
• Babesiosis rickettsiosis
• Borrelia mayonii • Rocky Mountain Spotted
• Borrelia miyamotoi Fever (RMSF)
• Bourbon virus • STARI (Southern Tick-
Associated Rash Illness)
• Colorado tick fever • Tickborne relapsing fever
• Ehrlichiosis (TBRF)
• Heartland virus • Tularemia
• Lyme disease • 364D Rickettsiosis
• Powassan disease

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/index.html 14

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WHY IS IT GETTING WORSE?

• Climate
• Encroachment
• Wildlife management
• Toxic environment

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TICK ID

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TICK ID

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DEER TICK
• Ixodes scapularis
• Can carry co-infections and triple infections
• Nymphs have had one blood meal, usually from
rodents and small animals
• Adults have had two blood meals, the second can
be larger animals or humans and can carry more
infections
• Can transmit: Lyme, babesiosis, anaplasmosis,
tick paralysis, Powassan encephalitis, tularemia,
Rocky Mtn. Spotted Fever, and bartonella

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TICKS SPREAD DISEASE VIA FEEDING

Prepares to
feed (10 mins
to 2 hours)

Drops off,
Grasps skin,
prepares for
cuts into
next life
surface
stage

Ingests host
pathogens or
transmits Sucks blood Inserts
previously for several barbed
acquired days feeding tube
pathogens to
host Secretes
“cement” & Cement-like substance to stay
anesthetic
attached; saliva with anesthetic
properties so host can’t feel it
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NYMPH
CAN YOU SEE IT?

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TICK SPECK

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ADULT DOG/WOOD TICK

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ENGORGED TICKS
Nymph Adult

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TICK ATTACHMENT
• Chemoreceptors in legs & arms
– Sense body heat, vibrations such as
voices and barking, CO2 (exhalation)
& movement
• Can release from high areas, jump
from grasses, twigs, leaves
• Also blow thru wind

CT Dept. of Health: “Ticks are found in grassy and overgrown areas where they wait
to grasp onto warm bodies that pass by; they do not jump, fly or drop out of trees.”
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TICK ON SCREEN

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TICKS ON OUR PETS

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TICKS ON BILL (CASE STUDY)

• Tick magnet
• MDs thought heart trouble
• Tested for Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella
• After treatment, no longer
a tick magnet
• Years later he said, “I’m a tick magnet again”
– Re-tested, & positive for ticks

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REMOVING TICKS
1. Use fine tip tweezers
2. Grab close to skin
3. Pull straight up
• Don’t twist or jerk
• Mouthparts may break
off & remain in skin*

*Remove the mouth-parts with clean tweezers

If unable to remove the mouth easily, leave it alone and let the skin heal

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AVOID FOLKLORE
• Goal = remove tick as quickly as possible
– Don’t wait for it to detach

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THOROUGHLY CLEAN BITE & HANDS

Iodine scrub

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PREVENTION
• Avoid tall grass & over-grown areas
• When hiking, stay in middle of trails
• Tuck pant legs into socks
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, closed shoes
• Wear light-colored clothing
– Easier to see ticks for removal
• Talk to your veterinarian
– Protect pets from tick bites

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CONSIDER TICK REPELLENT

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PERMETHRIN
• Synthetic chemical that acts like
natural extracts from
chrysanthemum flower
• Affects nervous system of insects
that eat or touch it
– Insects can’t break it down as quickly as
people & dogs
• Broken down by soil microorganisms
• Does not mix well with water
(doesn’t break down)
– Do NOT use near lakes or rivers
– Tiny amount can wipe out fish

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RETURNING HOME
• Remove clothing outside
• Shower using a washcloth or puff
to remove unattached ticks
• Put clothes in dryer
– Heat kills ticks hiding in clothing

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AGENDA
• Tick-Borne Disease Epidemic
• Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Acute Treatment
• Chronic Disease Treatment & Support
• 3 Tests for Tick-Borne (hands-on)

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HISTORY OF LYME IN U.S.

• Lyme Disease on Plum Island
– Fringe conspiracy theory or government cover-up?

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LYME DISEASE
• 5 subspecies of Borrelia burgdorferi
– Over 100 strains in the US
– 300 strains worldwide
• This diversity is thought to contribute to the
antigenic variability of the spirochete and its
ability to evade the immune system and
antibiotic therapy, leading to chronic infection
(From ILADS)

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SPIROCHETES
• Worm-like, coiled bacteria
(around for billions of years)
• Eight different genera
• Over 200 species & counting
– Numerous subspecies (they change their genetic structure)
– Difficult to find & research
– All need a host to survive
• Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) causes Lyme disease
– Discovered by researcher Willy Burgdorfer in 1982
– Lyme arthritis discovered in 1975 (Lyme, CT)
• B. afzelii & B. garinii are primary causes of Lyme in
Europe & Asia
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Production of filamentous B. burgdorferi by ATc-mediated induction of asftsZ RNA. (A) B.

burgdorferi 297/tetR cultured for 24 h in the presence of 1.5 μg of ATc/ml (acridine orange
staining; magnification, 1,250).

Lydia Dubytska et al. J. Bacteriol. 2006;188:1969-1978

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PLEOMORPHIC FORMS OF BORRELIA

• “…Taken together, the results indicated that B.
burgdorferi can change morphology very quickly,
adapt and survive in adverse environments, and
have pleomorphic forms consisting of DNA as
well as antigenic relevant proteins that are freely
recognized by the immune system. In addition, B.
burgdorferi and its pleomorphic forms have
atypical cell wall characteristics and that these
sleath round bodies have the ability to become
viable spirochetes.”
26 April 2014, ILADS European Conference, Augsburg, Germany
Written text by Leena Meriläinen, and Leona Gilbert from Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and NanoScience
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Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland

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TRANSMISSION
• Ticks
• Fleas
• Other biting insects?
• Blood transfusion
• Crosses through placenta
• Possibility in breast milk
• Intercourse

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SHOULD WE LIVE IN A BUBBLE?

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ILADS LYME PREVENTION TIPS

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Source: http://www.ilads.org/lyme/lyme-tips.php

LYME SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

“THE GREAT IMITATOR”

• Fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle & joint aches,

swollen lymph nodes, migrating pain
• EM rash
• Brain fog
• Insomnia
• Facial or Bell's palsy
• Severe headaches and neck stiffness due to meningitis
• Joint swelling
• Shooting pains that may interfere with sleep
• Heart palpitations & dizziness due to changes in
heartbeat
• Shortness of breath 50

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COMMON LYME CO-INFECTIONS

1. Bartonella
2. Babesia
3. Anaplasmosis
4. Ehrlichiosis

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1. BARTONELLA
• Gram-negative pleomorphic rods
• Slow-growing, but fastidious
• Cellular targets: erythrocytes & endothelial cells
• Hide in RBC’s
• Transmitted via fleas, ticks & many think any
biting insect
• Cause inflammation, fibrin deposits & biofilms
in blood vessels
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BARTONELLAE COMMON INFECTION STRATEGY

Alexander Harms, and Christoph Dehio Clin. Microbiol. Rev.

2012;25:42-78

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FLAGELLATION OF BARTONELLA

Alexander Harms, and Christoph Dehio Clin. Microbiol. Rev.

2012;25:42-78

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BARTONELLA RASH

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BARTONELLA EFFECTS
• Damage collagen fibers, causes skin problems
such as striae (longitudinal lines)
• Damage spongy bone (creating deep bone pain)
• Cause vascular neuropathy (from destroying small
blood vessels)
• Many neurological & psychological symptoms
(especially in adolescent boys)
• Reaction time decreases, executive function
decreases, OCD, slow response

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2. BABESIOSIS (BABESIA)

Description Signs & Symptoms

• Protozoa parasite • High fever
transmitted by deer ticks • Muscle aches
• Invade RBC’s • Chills
• Treatment includes anti- • Fatigue
microbial agents: • Headache
– Atovaquone, AZT, or
clyndamycin are typical • Cough
• Herbal remedies (anti- • Athralgia
parasitical) • Loss of appetite
• Anemia

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MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF BABESIA LENGAU SP. NOV.

Anna-Mari Bosman et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2010;48:2703-

2708

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BABESIA RASH

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3. ANAPLASMOSIS

Description Symptoms
• Discovered in mid 1990s • Typically no rash
• Transmitted by deer ticks • Fever
• 6 states account for 90% of all • Malaise
reported cases (CDC) • Headache
– New York, Connecticut, New • Chills
Jersey, Rhode Island,
Minnesota & Wisconsin • Muscle pain
• Needs immediate treatment; • Nausea
Doxycycline is recommended • Brain fog
antibiotic • Most acute infections feel like
– Interestingly, no age limit, as “worst illness they’ve had”
with treating Lyme

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ANAPLASMOSIS

Number of annual anaplasmosis cases 1994-2010:

The graph displays the number of human cases of anaplasmosis cases reported to CDC annually from 1994
through 2010. Cases of anaplasmosis have generally increased from 350 cases in 2000, when the disease became
nationally notifiable, to 1163 cases in 2009. The number of reported cases increased 52% between 2009 and
2010. Source: www.cdc.gov 61

4. EHRLICHIOSIS

Description Symptoms
• Transmitted by Lone Star • Malaise
• Nausea
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Destroys WBC’s • Chills
• Used to be considered same • Cough
as anaplasmosis • Confusion
– They are different

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AGENDA
• Tick-Borne Disease Epidemic
• Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Acute Treatment
• Chronic Disease Treatment & Support
• 3 Tests for Tick-Borne (hands-on)

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“THE GLOBAL SEARCH FOR EDUCATION: TICKS”

“To date in my "Ticks" series, we have learned from

leading global experts that tick-borne illnesses
(including Lyme disease) are possibly the most
complicated and substantial global medical
research challenges that exist today and that they
threaten to dominate global health care tomorrow.
Solutions are tough to find since the bacteria are
difficult to diagnose and treat due to the complex
multi-disciplinary approach often required.”
C.M. Rubin, Huff Post 8/9/13

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LYME TESTING = UNRELIABLE

• Currently there is no reliable test to determine if
someone has contracted Lyme disease or is cured of it.
False positives and false negatives often occur, though
false negatives are far more common. In fact, some
studies indicate up to 50% of the patients tested for
Lyme disease receive false negative results. As a
result, the CDC relies on physicians to make a clinical
diagnosis based on a patient's symptoms, health
history, and exposure risks. Doctors who are
experienced in recognizing Lyme disease will treat
when symptoms typical of the illness are present, even
without a positive test, in an effort to prevent the
development of chronic Lyme disease. (ILADS)

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LAB TESTING FOR LYME

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
– Used most often to detect Lyme disease
– Detects antibodies to B. burgdorferi
– May not be positive during the early stage of Lyme
• Western blot
– Used if ELISA is positive, to confirm the diagnosis
– Detects antibodies to several proteins of B. burgdorferi
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
– Detects bacterial DNA in fluid from infected joint
• Chronic Lyme arthritis
• Persistent infection in the cerebrospinal fluid
– Not as effective detecting infection of blood or urine

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LYME TESTING CHALLENGES

• Bacteria hide
– Not always detectable in whole blood, even in
active disease
• Every patient responds differently to infection
• Antibodies may only be present for a short
time

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IMMUNE-COMPROMISED?
• 4-6 weeks for the antibodies to be produced
– Early blood tests may come back negative even if a
person is infected

In my opinion, there may never be a positive

test if patient is immune-compromised
(can’t make antibodies)

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CDC ON ERYTHEMA MIGRANS (EM RASH)

aka "bull's-eye" rash

• Occurs in ~70-80% of infected persons

• Begins at site of bite after a delay of 3-30 days
(avg 7)
• Expands gradually over days, up to 12” dia
• Feels warm to touch, but rarely itchy or
painful
• May appear on any area of body

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THE “TYPICAL” BULLSEYE RASH

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CONTROVERSY OVER EM STATS

• ILADS: 35%-60% of cases
• CDC: 70%-80% of cases
• MN Dept. of Health: “The pathognomonic
erythema migrans (EM) rash is present in the
majority (but not all) cases of Lyme disease.”

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ILADS ON EM RASH
• Fewer than 50% of patients with Lyme disease
recall any rash. Although the erythema migrans
(EM) or “bull’s-eye” rash is considered classic, it is
not the most common dermatologic
manifestation of early-localized Lyme infection.
Atypical forms of this rash are seen far more
commonly. It is important to know that the EM
rash is pathognomonic of Lyme disease and
requires no further verification prior to starting
an appropriate course of antibiotic therapy.

Source: Ilads.org
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PATIENT (O.B.) – EM RASH

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PATIENT EM RASH

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PATIENT (H.C.) - RASH

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PATIENT EM RASH

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PATIENT EM RASH

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OTHER TICK-BORNE EM RASHES

• If we take the medium percentage of EM
rashes with Lyme disease at 50%, what would
the percentage be for ALL tick-borne diseases
(Babesia, Bartonella, etc.) and the chance for a
rash/lesion?
• Most doctors get an ELISA & Western Blot
• Bell’s palsy

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EM DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
• Shingles
• Hives
• Allergic rashes
• Poison ivy
• Spider bite
• Bee sting & wasp bites
• STARI lesions
• Other cutaneous lesions

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WHAT IS THIS?

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LEFT EYELID PARALYSIS

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DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSING
• Doesn’t mean every patient has Lyme
• Example (C.R.):
– 28yo female
– All signs & symptoms pointed to tick-borne
– I was her 35th Dr.!
– She actually had terrible parasites from living in
New Guinea

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TEST FOR CO-INFECTIONS

• Testing for Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and
Bartonella (other tick-transmitted organisms)
should be performed. The presence of co-
infection with these organisms points to
probable infection with the Lyme spirochete
as well. If these co infections are left
untreated, their continued presence increases
morbidity and prevents successful treatment
of Lyme disease. (ILADS)
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AGENDA
• Tick-Borne Disease Epidemic
• Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Acute Treatment
• Chronic Disease Treatment & Support
• 3 Tests for Tick-Borne (hands-on)

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ACUTE PHASE OF TICK-BORNE DX

• Hx/environment
• Pain
• Fever
• Moving joint pain/swelling
• “Can’t hardly get out of bed” due to weakness

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THE ACUTE PATIENT

I feel strongly that if you find an imbedded tick, you should
not wait for symptoms.

One should seek medical assistance in taking doxycycline

asap. Many practitioners may disagree with this, but I have
experienced it personally several times for myself and my
family. The sooner the better. Then, seek help in assisting the
digestion, tissue help, co-infection help, etc.

I have found that minocycline does not work well and can
cause many problems. Often it is given to a patient instead of
doxycycline because it does not create sun sensitivity

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THE ACUTE PATIENT, CONT’D

• Astaxanthin can help with sun sensitivity
– Not 100 percent, though
• Probiotics in higher than usual dosage are essential
– Depending on the patient, other digestive support
• Glutathione is a must to help detox the die off &
prevent mycotoxins
• Other antimicrobials may be needed for co-infections
• Things to think about:
– Curcumin, rosemary, olive leaf, fish oils, MCT oil,
antioxidants, joint & soft tissue support for tissue &
inflammation
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RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTATION
INFLAMMATION TISSUE SUPPORT DIGESTIVE INFLAMMATION

• Curcumin • Multi-minerals • Digestive enzymes

• Omega’s • Collagen support • Oil of oregano
• D3 • Glucosamine • Probiotics
• MCT oil • Chondroitin • Prebiotics
• Natural px • MSM • Magnesium
relievers • GI support
• MCT oil
• Gastro-intestinal lining
support
• Medical foods

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RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTATION
INCREASE OXYGEN EYE SUPPORT MITOCHONDRIA SUPPORT

• Protein • Antioxidants • Medical foods

• Baking soda • Astaxanthin • Liposomal glutathione
• Blood builders • Bilberry • Antioxidants
• Nitric oxide • Lutein • Liver support
• Zeaxanthin • Curcumin
• Schisandra

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RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTATION
INSOMNIA ORAL SUPPORT CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT

• Passionflower • Oil pulling • CoQ10

• Valerian root • Toothpaste • Nattokinase
• Mg/Ca w/broad • Omega’s
spectrum • MCT oil
botanicals • Red sage
• Chrysanthemum
• Hawthorne
• Red yeast rice
• Niacin

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RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTATION
BRAIN SUPPORT DEPRESSION ADRENAL SUPPORT

• Taurine • Emotional • Ashwagandha

• B vitamins wellness • Licorice
• Gut protection • Protein • Adrenal adaptogens
• MCT oil • Ashwagandha • Suma
• Curcumin • St John’s Wort • Mucuna pruriens
• Omega’s • Omega’s
• Astaxanthin • MCT oil
• Gingko biloba
• Mucuna THYROID SUPPORT
pruriens • Selenium
• Star anise • Iodine
• Rosemary • Tyrosine
• Chrysanthemum • Suma

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RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTATION
ANTIMICROBIALS
• Coptis chinensis • Andrographis • Teasel root
• Oil of oregano • Star anise • Astragalus
• Grapefruit seed extract • Resveratrol • Phllanthus niruri
• Colostrum • Iodine (diluted – nasal) • Red sage
• Liquid stevia extract • Olive lieaf • Mimosa pudica
• D3 • Cistus incanus • Schisandra
• Garlic • Mushroom extracts • Smilax
• Rosemary • Cat’s claw • Chrysanthemum
• Noni • Artemisia • … many more
• Neem • Isatis
• Tulsi • Pumpkin seed

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ACUTE TREATMENT SUPPORT

• Be careful of any underlying toxicities,
infections, nutritional depletions, food
sensitivities, etc.
• Gluten and all sweeteners must be avoided
• Alkaline diet
• Organic
• Rest
• Plenty of water
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ACUTE SUPPORT SUGGESTIONS

• Preventing Herxheimer effect
– Glutathione, mitochondrial support & gut support
• Neurological
– Taurine, B12 or a complex, nervous system support, amino
acids
• Sleep aides
– Valerian, melatonin, L-tryptophan, passionflower
• Tissue repair
– Mg, multi-mineral, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM
• Vascular and heart
– CoQ10, nattokinase, L-taurine

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DO ANTIBIOTICS CURE LYME?

• There has never been a study demonstrating
that 30 days of antibiotic treatment cures
chronic Lyme disease. However there is a
plethora of documentation in the US and
European medical literature demonstrating by
histology and culture techniques that short
courses of antibiotic treatment fail to eradicate
the Lyme spirochete. Short treatment courses
have resulted in upwards of a 40% relapse rate,
especially if treatment is delayed. (ILADS)

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POST-ANTIBIOTICS
• After antibiotic therapy, urgent to:
• Rebuild microbiome, support tissue & cognitive
function, keep structural integrity, build blood &
oxygen levels, exercise, support emotional health &
keep immune system strong
• You can kill 99% of the infection, but it will never go
away until you reclaim your immune system
• These infections are stealth fighters
• They mutate, exchange info with other bacteria to
become resistant, go into cyst forms, hide in
biofilms, blood cells, nerve tissue, any soft tissue,
aqueous humor of the eyes, etc.
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IMMUNE BUILDING/PREVENTION
• Astaxanthin • Glutathione
• Astragalus • Omegas
• Cistus Incanus Tea • Prebiotics &
• Beta glucan probiotics
• Colostrum • Liquid Stevia
• Curcumin • Vitamin C
• D3 (K) • Mushroom extracts
• Garlic (helps repel • Thymus concentrate
also)
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ANTI-MICROBIALS
• Golden Thread (Coptis Chinensis) 1,000-1,500 mg TID
• Oil of Oregano- with antimicrobial as catalyst
• Probiotics are needed with above two

Cat’s Claw, Artemesia, Grapefruit seed extract, Black

Walnut, Pumpkin seed, Teasel Root, Astragalus,
Andrographis, Japanese Knotweed (Resveratrol), Red
Root, Stephania, Noni, Olive Leaf, Neem, Chinese
Skullcap, Isatis, Mimosa, Schisandra, Black Licorice (Star
Anise), Tulsi (Holy Basil), Chrysanthemum, Mushroom
Extracts, Sarsaparilla….to name a few.
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AGENDA
• Tick-Borne Disease Epidemic
• Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Acute Treatment
• Chronic Disease Treatment & Support
• 3 Tests for Tick-Borne (hands-on)

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CHRONIC LYME, HUFF POST: TICKS

• “The data clearly shows that the major late/chronic
forms of Lyme neuroborreliosis (meningovascular and
meningoencephalitis) were clinically and pathologically
confirmed and Borrelia burgdorferi was detected in
tertiary brain lesions and/or cultivated from the
affected brain or cerebrospinal fluid. These
observations were made by many authors and in
various countries including the USA and Europe.
Borrelia burgdorferi is able to evade destruction by
the host immune reactions, persist in host tissues and
sustain chronic infection and inflammation.” Dr. Judith
Miklossy from The Huff Post, “The Global Search for
Education: Ticks”, C. M. Rubin. 9/12/13

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TREATING LYME
“Man is a product of nature. What happens to nature happens to us. Polluted,
imbalanced nature means polluted, imbalanced people. Secondly, Ultra Dark
Field Microscopy (UDFM) is a very advanced science that has been neglected.
Currently, I am working with others to make the world aware of Dr. Bela
Bozsik from Budapest, who has successfully diagnosed 120,000 Lyme
Borreliosis patients with serology and UDFM. Thirdly, antibiotics cannot be
half-hearted. You must go all the way with enough to kill but you must
supplement with nutrition, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, fatty acids and
proper pro-biotics and plant medicines. You have to treat the whole person.
I have met with professional herbalists from China, Germany, and Sweden and
visited a top modern hospital in Korea where herbalists worked hand in hand
with modern chemistry, producing wonders. The Koreans laughed at me
when I told them about the low status of herbal medicine in the West. Finally,
never neglect the spirit. To get myself healed, I had tremendous help from
mental methods. Your mind is capable of feats such as enhancing the immune
system beyond what you may believe is possible. So never underestimate the
mind to heal. Even Borrelia can be influenced by a properly tuned immune
system.”

Dr. Bjorn Overbye from Huff Post, C. M. Rubin, “The Global Search for Education: Norway-Ticks” 101

CHIROPRACTIC ROLE
• Support the whole body
• Remove subluxations,
create homeostasis
• Diet, nutrition &
lifestyle coaching
• Exercise, stretching,
rehab

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USE ALL OF YOUR TOOLS

• Thorough history taking (KEY)
• Extensive examinations
– Physical, neurological, spinal, extremity
– Home assessments, workplace assessments
• Lab testing (blood, urine, stool, hair, saliva)
• Diagnostic tools (imaging, scopes, computer
technology, muscle testing, many more)
• Lifestyle coaching
– Nutrition, meditation, stress reduction, yoga, Chi
Gong, EFT, flower remedies

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NUTRACEUTICALS
• We have the ability to prescribe some of the
most potent antimicrobials and immune
enhancing substances on the planet

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CREATE HOMEOSTASIS

Adjustments & manual therapies

105

EXTREMITIES

It’s important to evaluate & keep the whole

musculoskeletal system strong and in alignment

Ex: knee pain – foot & ankle integrity

106

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TREAT THE PATIENT, NOT THE DISEASE

• Must treat each individual
– NO protocols
– Each patient is different
• Chronic tick-borne infection is the most
difficult to tease out the order of treatment
necessary for recovery
• Case study: Jason
– Heavy metal chelation led to wheelchair

107

CHRONIC TICK-BORNE PATIENTS

• Most have suffered “medical abuse”
– Long medical history with little or no help
– Misdiagnosed or told “it’s all in your head”
• Weak, tired & sometimes “checked out”
• Many have lived with it so long it’s part of
their identity
– Flower remedies work well

108

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EVERY PATIENT COMES WITH BAGGAGE

Doctor MUST assess environmental

exposures, food sensitivities,
hormonal function, digestive issues,
sleep patterns, tissue damage,
psychological function, detox
pathways, etc.

109

AUTOIMMUNE
• Many patients with diagnosed autoimmune
conditions have underlying tick-borne
infection
– Part of cause for immune system turning on itself
• They could also have a number of toxicities &
infections

110

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PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS
• Many patient’s get
depressed, even suicidal
• Can cause many problems
with relationships, work,
treatment compliance
• Think:
– Gut-brain
– Hormones
– Chronic pain
• Case study: Nathaniel
111

CASE STUDY
• 35-year-old woman
• 3 months postpartum
• Suicidal, depressed, pain, anxiety
• Tried multiple meds
• Came to me, showed for Borrelia & Babesia
• After 3 weeks of anti-microbials & adrenal
support, she was back to herself

112

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TEAM OF SUPPORT
• Team of healthcare providers
• Family support
• Community support
• If still working, understanding at workplace
• Having a loved one at appointment can be
helpful, but sometimes they will to hide their
suffering from that loved one
• I write everything down because of memory
113

TEAM APPROACH CASE STUDY

• Jenna
• Working with team of NDs
• Exit strategy = intense lab work in Germany
– Discovered a bacteria not active today but
common in dormant stage
• Started testing other Lyme patients
– 50% tested positive for same bacteria
– 99% of positives helped by antimicrobials

114

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LIFESTYLE & ENVIRONMENT

Home & workplace assessments:
• Mold exposure, biofilms
• Diet
• EMRs/EMFs
• Heavy metal toxicity

115

MOLD EXPOSURE & MYCOTOXIN REMOVAL

• Aspergillus (black mold)

produces gliotoxin
– Depletes glutathione,
suppresses immune system
• Healthy dose of probiotics & high quality
air purifier can usually Band-Aid a mold
exposure until removed
• Muscle test dust samples from under
refrigerator, top of trim or vacuum dust

116

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MOLD & MYCOTOXIN BIOFILMS

Chronic Illness Associated with Mold and Mycotoxins: Is

Naso-Sinus Fungal Biofilm the Culprit?
Joseph H. Brewer,1,* Jack D. Thrasher,2 and Dennis Hooper3
Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License
information ►
This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.
Go to:
Abstract
It has recently been demonstrated that patients who develop chronic
illness after prior exposure to water damaged buildings (WDB) and mold
have the presence of mycotoxins, which can be detected in the urine. We
hypothesized that the mold may be harbored internally and continue to
release and/or produce mycotoxins which contribute to ongoing chronic
illness. The sinuses are the most likely candidate as a site for the internal
mold and mycotoxin production. In this paper, we review the literature
supporting this concept.
117

BIOFILMS – THEY’RE COMPLICATED

• Can be nearly anywhere – the infection’s hide-out
• Different according to strain of infection
• Busting up biofilms can be like opening Pandora’s box
• Patient must be strong enough before you start
– Digesting well, methylating well, hormones balanced,
sleeping well, eating well, etc.
• Can use the biofilm tester from Life Works*
• Can challenge an organ system, see if any of the three
muscles go weak, then test biofilm busters with that
challenge
* AK docs challenge all digestive indicators, brain and eyes. If you have the
Life-Work Potential testers, test again using biofilms and lipopolysaccharide if
all indicators are strong. 118

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119

120

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DILUTED IODINE FOR BIOFILM

“study of 250 patients with chronic fatigue,
Lyme, fibromyalgia – 98% tested positive for
gliotoxin”

• Add diluted iodine drops in nose

Source: Joe Brewer, MD at ILADS 2017 conference 121

OTHER BIOFILM BUSTERS

• Nattokinase • Rosemary
• Serratiopeptidase • Tulsi
• Trypsin • Andrographis
• Berberine • Black cumin oil
• Curcumin • Neem
• Quercetin • Cinnamon
• Earthworm protein extract • Clove
• Cistus Incanus • Boswellia
• Diluted iodine (2 drops in • Apple cider vinegar
each nostril & sniff) • MCT oil
• Oil of oregano
• Garlic
122

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GLUTEN SUPPORTS BIOFILMS

• Gluten = family of proteins in grains
– Wheat, rye, kamut, spelt & barley
– Wheat is by far the most commonly consumed
• Two main proteins gluten are glutenin & gliadin
– Gliadin responsible for most of the negative health effects
• When flour & water mixed, gluten proteins form a
sticky network that has a glue-like consistency
– Makes dough elastic, gives bread ability to rise when
baked; provides a chewy, satisfying texture
– Name glu-ten is derived from this glue-like property of wet
dough.

Source: Medical News Today 123

FOOD TOXINS

124

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SUGAR FEEDS INFECTION

125

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET

126

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EMF/EMR EFFECTS
• Activate voltage-gated calcium channels
– Most biological effects due to elevated
intracellular calcium & consequent nitric oxide
(NO) elevation (ML Pall, 2014)
• Deplete minerals, causing:
– Bone loss, muscle spasticity, cognitive issues,
digestive issues, fatigue, decreased pH, etc.

Pall ML. Microwave electromagnetic fields act by activating voltage-gated calcium channels: why the current international safety
127
standards do not predict
 biological hazard. Recent Res. Devel. Mol. Cell. Biol. 2014(7). ISBN: 978-81-308-0000-0

BIG SOURCES OF EMF/EMR

Exposure decreases exponentially with distance from source
Keep sleep area “clean”

Base unit on DECT cordless phones

constantly emit high EMRs (keep
away from bedroom & living areas)
128

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OTHER SOURCES OF EMF/EMR

• Sleep Number beds
• Computer monitors
• Ceiling fans
• Power lines
• Vehicle Bluetooth, OnStar
• Vehicle seat warmers
• Earthing or grounding sheets
• Fitness trackers (FitBit)
• “Smart” meters

129

HEAVY METAL TOXINS

• Toxic soft tissue accumulation of metals that
may otherwise be essential to body function
– Lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium
• Caused by
– industrial exposure, air or water
pollution, foods, medicines,
food container coatings, ingestion
of lead-based paints, etc.
• Symptoms vary, depending on metal

130

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SOLVENT TOXINS

Source: “Tox Town” 131

AGENDA
• Tick-Borne Disease Epidemic
• Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
• Diagnosis & Testing
• Acute Treatment
• Chronic Disease Treatment & Support
• 3 Tests for Tick-Borne (hands-on)

132

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APPLIED KINESIOLOGY (AK)

• Integrated, interdisciplinary approach to
healthcare
– Originated by Dr. George J. Goodheart, 1964
– Manual muscle testing (MMT) previously established
by Kendall & Kendall in 1952
• American Medical Association (AMA) has
accepted that the standard method of MMT used
in AK is a reliable tool and advocates its use for
the evaluation of disability impairments*

* American Medical Association. Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition. 2001:510. 133

AK MODEL
• What distinguishes AK from MMT:
– Emphasis on proprioceptive responses of
the muscle rather than the strength
– Sees muscle function as a transcript of the
central integrative state of the anterior
horn motoneurons, summing all excitatory
and inhibitory inputs
– Locus of dysfunction ultimately rests with
the nervous system
• AK model:
– Hypertonic muscle secondary to inhibited
muscle & inhibited muscle responsive to
chiropractic manipulative therapy

134

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ORDER OF TREATMENT
• Along with symptoms, history, geography, past
treatments, exams & labs, using Applied
Kinesiology correctly can weed out the
infections & the order of treatment
• Which order?
– Tick-borne, mold, allergy, heavy metal?
– The patient may need to be built up before
treating some of these items
– Find weak muscle, then challenge
135

3 AK TESTS FOR TICK-BORNE

• These 3 simple tests will help you determine if
the patient needs to seek help
1. Subclavius (immune)
2. Supraspinatus (brain)
3. Quadriceps (hypoxia)

136

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1. SUBCLAVIUS - IMMUNE

137

SUBCLAVIUS TEST
1. Patient sitting or supine
2. Abduct arm 180° to side of head
3. Internally rotate arm so palm faces away
from patient
– Patient’s biceps should be next to ear with the
elbow completely extended
4. Doctor braces the opposite shoulder &
abducts the arm away from the head

138

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2. SUPRASPINATUS - BRAIN

139

SUPRASPINATUS TEST
1. Patient seated or supine
2. Abduct the arm 45° & internally rotate so
palm faces down (supine) or back (seated)
3. Doctor braces above the wrist & makes sure
elbow is in full extension while adducting
arm

140

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3. QUADRICEPS - HYPOXIA

141

QUADRICEPS TEST
Test incorporates all four quad muscles & some
hip flexors
1. Patient supine, flexes hip & knee to 90°
2. Doctor stands above knee with hand below
patella
3. Doctor’s forearm is parallel to ground with
elbow at 90° & directs force toward patient’s
foot into hip extension

142

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DETERMINE TREATMENT
If one or more muscles are weak, you can
challenge for strength with any supplement,
vertebral level or extremity for adjusting, or
flower remedy for emotional stability

143

DETERMINE DOSING
• Whichever supplements they show for, you
can dosage with muscle challenge
• Reschedule according to structural needs &
timing for finishing supplements
• Retest muscles, if still weak, repeat
supplement & structural testing

144

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INSOMNIA & CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS

• To muscle test:
– When patient is supine,
cover eyes & forehead,
which blocks out the
pineal gland
– If a strong arm goes
weak, figure out what is
needed

145

EXERCISE
• Adrenally fatigued patient should only do
gentle exercise
– Yoga, walking, tai chi, Qi Gong, etc.
• As soon as possible, patient should start
higher intensity interval training or burst
training for increasing oxygen
• Saunas are highly recommended

146

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DIAPHRAGM & TMJ

• Can cause hernia & digestive problems
due to the stress of:
– Chronic pain
– Holding breath
– Clenching teeth,
day or night

147

CHALLENGES
Any kind of trauma or stress can send a message to
the bugs to create an attack

• To tease out hidden infections

when the patient seems better,
create body stressors
– Muscle fatigue (wall-sit, planks or
Superwoman pose), EMF exposure,
vagus nerve response, food
challenge or wind invasion
• Retest the 3 muscles

148

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TRIGGERS
• Emotional stress
– Divorce, death, losing job, moving, etc.
• Physical trauma or injury
• Illness

Educate patients to make an appointment after

any possible trigger; the sooner you find it, the
faster it resolves
149

CASE STUDIES
• Jon
– ALS
– Mayo response
• Hazel
– 11 year-old girl
– Strep triggered underlying Lyme
– PANDAS

150

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CAN WE BECOME IMMUNE?

With individualized care, healthy eating and
healthy lifestyle habits, I believe we can get
stronger and mutate for the better, just as the
bugs are doing

151

OUR APPROACH
• Life-Work Potential Lyme Plus Test Kit to determine
which infections we’re dealing with & to prioritize
• Thorough history taking & in-depth AK testing for:
– Structure, emotion, EMFs, mycotoxin/fungal, virus, tick-
borne, bacteria, parasites, hormone disruptors, heavy
metals and solvents, food toxins and foods
• Along with psychiatric care, flower remedies can be
crucial for chronic patients that are depressed or even
suicidal
• Creating a team of healthcare practitioners can be
most beneficial for the seriously ill patients

152

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FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope that we, as chiropractors, can emerge
and be fully recognized in the mainstream
treatment of tick-borne infections. We are
experts in how to help the body stay balanced
and strong, and we understand the internal
mechanisms in which proper nutrition and
lifestyle choices can help.

153

TAKE HOME POINTS

1. Tick-borne illness is an epidemic
2. Doxycycline is important, but not a cure-all
– Still need to address co-infections
3. Treat each patient as an individual
– NO protocols, each patient is different
4. When used correctly, 3 AK tests will help you
identify tick-borne disease & determine
order of treatment
154

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Dr. Onnie’s email: onnie@doctoronnie.com

Tina Ashton, Clinic Director: tina@doctoronnie.com
www.wholisticfamilyhealthcare.com
715-472-4000
Luck, WI

155

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• ILADS (International Lyme and Associated
Diseases Society)
– www.ilads.org
• Lyme Disease Association
– www.lymediseaseassociation.org
• WI Dept of Health Services
– https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tickborne/index.htm
• MN Dept of Health
– http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/tic
kborne/index.html
156

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