Lyme disease pain can affect the joints, muscles, nerves, and head. Learn the different types of pain, possible causes, and treatment options. Some people develop post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLDS), which is characterized by chronic joint and nerve pain, fatigue and impaired memory. Ultimately, most people with PLDS make a full recovery. Lyme disease can lead to neck pain due to inflammation and joint involvement. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Lyme disease occurs when an infected tick bites you. It’s known for causing a bullseye rash and flu-like symptoms. Learn the early and late Lyme disease symptoms, including neurologic, joint, heart, and chronic symptoms, and how they may progress if left untreated. You're at risk of Lyme disease if you spend time where the ticks live, such as grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Taking safety measures in these areas can lower the risk of Lyme disease. Seek medical attention if you observe any of these symptoms and have recently had a tick bite, live in an area known for Lyme disease, or have recently traveled to an area where Lyme disease occurs. Headache and stiff neck. Fever and chills. Muscle and joint pain. Swollen lymph nodes. In some cases of Lyme disease, the person doesn't notice any symptoms during this stage. Some people have virus-like symptoms only (no rash), or they have no symptoms at all. Lyme meningitis symptoms consist of headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and/or fever. Specifically, meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A lumbar puncture or spinal tap is a helpful test to correctly diagnose Lyme meningitis. The earliest symptoms of Lyme disease are rash, fever, and fatigue. As it progresses, Lyme disease can cause neurological issues and joint pain.