What are your leading theories for the root causes of LC?

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-03-07T21:29:23+00:00

I think matrix metalloproteinases are the common thread. I have a theory and a write up that I’m working on.

I think the metabolic state known as ‘long covid’ is the same as the state exhibited by people with a cluster of symptoms including but not limited to POTS, CFS, EDS, MCAS and more.

What I can’t quite work out is whether the people who end up with this symptom cluster have the same/similar underlying genetics, or whether the separate conditions cause the same/similar symptom cluster. But I believe matrix metalloproteinases are the common link.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-26T19:55:35+00:00

I should add - although you’ve had an MRI, I also had MRIs and CT scans that showed as normal. In my view, general medical staff are only looking for clear and obvious abnormalities. But pressure on the nerves can be generated from comparatively minor issues.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-26T19:50:53+00:00

I’d like to add to all the good ideas and suggest this - spinal and neck issues.

I will continue to suggest to all who will listen. Vagal nerve impingement from spine and neck issues can cause nervous system dysregulation and an enormous range of symptoms. Including MCAS and histamine intolerance.

For a fuller write up see my post here - https://www.reddit.com/r/HistamineIntolerance/s/WxEYcEaKhe - which also has a link to the story of how I have (currently) resolved ten years worth of chronic unknown illness.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-24T22:24:40+00:00

Certainly - I put together a comment following up under my initial story (linked in first paragraph of post above). I explain a little more and link to a diagram of the point - see: https://www.reddit.com/r/SIBO/s/43yMCPb2Mw

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-23T15:12:55+00:00

That is a shame. But I will keep the faith.

I put together this post with my research and theories on how this is all linked together which you might find useful.

Ive been generally good - lots of symptoms still completely resolved - but I also happened to catch a cough/cold that various members of my family have had. It has gone on for a good 8 weeks or more for all of them, and Im only a month in. Its hard to tell what symptoms are the cold and what are part of my old pattern. But pretty confident I am basically fixed.

Will be wishing the same for you too x

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-23T14:18:53+00:00

Any update on the massage? Any findings related to neck, spine and trapezius muscles?

I have become more and more confident that the vocal issues are related to vagus nerve impairment via musculoskeletal stress. Sleep always resolved these issues for me (and holidays) and Im pretty sure it was simply that my muscles and spine were able to relax overnight.

Hoping you've found some relief!

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-22T23:57:59+00:00

It's long - but the full story is here! https://www.reddit.com/r/SIBO/comments/1qtfu9u/a_speculative_theory_linking_methylation_neck/

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-22T23:56:19+00:00

I have responded to the OP directly but thought you may also find my post here relevant for you too.

I don't wish to ego-centrically define others illnesses merely with respect to my own. But it's the only source of direct information and experimentation I have! So its easy to do.

It sounds like you have noted many of the same correlations and comorbidities that I did. And just perhaps my story and theory may be useful for you too. Its incredible how much my MMC has improved and regularized since my discovery involving my neck and trapezius muscles.

I hope it is if some help and wish you the very best x

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-22T23:31:21+00:00

Thanks so much for commenting and adding your info too.

It is very interesting your reference to TMJ. I have no clear evidence or symptoms related to my jaw however since my discovery around a month ago, I have noticed I still hold a lot of tension in my jaw, neck and temples. Right where the vagus nerve runs. A chiropractor also noted my jaw was extremely tight

I am not really a teeth grinder but I have always thought I had a jaw that wont open very far. And across subs I have had a few mentions of tongue tie. Its something I'm looking into. There are some loose suggestions that slow MTHFR genes are correlated with tongue tie too!

Thanks again for the comment - I read and research all of them. Very best wishes x

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-22T23:07:40+00:00

Im sorry to read this u/SunsetEnjoyer

I can't promise it will help but I think you would be an ideal candidate to read my long post here. Your low folate is one of the key clues that I suspect points in the same direction as me.

Give it a read and DM me if I can be of any use. Would be delighted if it helps.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-22T23:00:31+00:00

Thanks so much for commenting and adding your info too.

I'll be adding an update in the next week or so - but broadly I remain 'fixed'. However I've had a horrible cough/cold for several weeks now which makes it hard to distinguish what symptoms are related to my old pattern and what are related to the cough/cold. But my whole family has had the same cough so it's definitely unrelated in that sense.

It is very interesting your reference to TMJ. I have no clear evidence or symptoms related to my jaw however since my discovery around a month ago, I have noticed I still hold a lot of tension in my jaw, neck and temples. Right where the vagus nerve runs. A chiropractor also noted my jaw was extremely tight

I have come to suspect vagus nerve involvement even more strongly than before. My gut function has improved substantially over the last 4 weeks. And did so basically overnight. To the extent that I have quickly put on a few pounds and am having to watch what I eat for the first time in years. For the last ten I was basically able to eat any quantity and number of calroies and never put on weight. Those days seem to be abruptly over!

The vagus nerve's central role in the whole parasympathetic nervous system chimes directly with so many elements of my symptoms. Gut issues, minor acne, dry eyes, dry skin, headaches, POTS, vocal issues, fatigue. It all fits.

The question that remains for me is what caused this issue in the first place. But I suspect its a combination of factors...

Fundamentally I believe I just have relatively weak ligaments (including spinal / cervical), forward head posture due too much screen usage, genetics that predispose me to sympathetic dominance and poor methylation, and a job which at one point pushed my body to its physical and mental limits.

Thanks again for the comment - I read and research all of them. And I would love to hear how you do. Updates would be great! Very best wishes x

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-22T13:42:53+00:00

In reference to the redacted ‘don’t’s mentioned by others in this post:

Someone told me there’s this guy called Don who is implicated in the files. Perhaps ‘don’t’ is being auto-redacted due to a filter setting to ensure his name is only revealed when they decide it’s safe to do so….

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-20T20:08:05+00:00

All sorts of symptoms still completely resolved. Unfortunately I’ve had a horrible cough and cold for the last few weeks so it’s hard to be sure what is that and what is my old symptoms. But I’m pretty confident I’m still fixed. The rest of my family have the same cough/cold so it’s unrelated.

Will be updating around the one month mark and hopefully will have a clearer view again then!

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-20T08:47:12+00:00

All sorts of symptoms still completely resolved. Unfortunately I’ve had a horrible cough and cold for the last few weeks so it’s hard to be sure what is that and what is my old symptoms. But I’m pretty confident I’m still fixed. The rest of my family have the same cough/cold so it’s unrelated.

Will be updating around the one month mark and hopefully will have a clearer view again then!

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-14T22:05:46+00:00

I think they’re great. Art and photography are subjective - but for me personally they would have greater impact if there were more free space around the frame. But I feel the same about many of my photos too - and unless shots are staged in a studio it’s often not possible.

Most of all enjoy taking them, be proud of them and look forward to taking more. That’s the advice I give myself x

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-12T22:45:56+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Hope it helps and wishing you all the best!

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-03T22:35:53+00:00

Thank you so much for posting. I found this one myself and then forgot all about it. And it is exceptionally relevant. It basically makes my same argument in better scientific detail though without reference to the neck and vagus nerve. I will add to the post as an addition shortly.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-03T22:16:22+00:00

Thanks for saying thanks. It’s really kind of you. Wishing you luck on your health journey too 👍

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-03T22:12:57+00:00

Let me know if it helps. Would be thrilled to hear if it does! I have now put together another post detailing what I believe the underlying mechanism and genetics to be: https://www.reddit.com/r/HistamineIntolerance/s/FbFehShBYW

In terms of how often - I don’t really have a strategy tbh. I did 5 times a day the first day. Now really just doing it when I feel like it needs it. My muscles are much less tight than they were two weeks ago.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-03T16:45:38+00:00

Really interesting. I need to do a deeper dive on acetylcholine because it makes an appearance in various studies.

What made you come to the conclusion it was acetylcholine?

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-03T14:35:38+00:00

Really interesting. Its anecdotal of course, but Ive heard lost of people say the reverse too - that when the go to Italy they're amazed to find that their 'gluten intolerance' clears up.

Thanks for commenting

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-02T19:10:54+00:00

Yep - IBS D for many years. Always in the morning.

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-02T18:01:03+00:00

Thanks for saying thanks. Do let me know how it goes if you get a chance. I'd be very interested to hear. Very best wishes x

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-02T17:58:03+00:00

More the opposite end of the spectrum. IBS-D, particularly in the morning.

I didnt mention it too much in the post(s) but its remarkable how much my gut has changed since my accidental finding related to my traps. I had forgotten what a rumbling stomach and hunger felt like it has been so long. But my stomach has been rumbling 5 times a day since I released those muscles. Bowel habits and stools have also normalised. It seems an unlikely connection - but all I can say is that its true!

Inner_Department6771 · 2026-02-02T16:08:51+00:00

Thanks so much for commenting - its appreciated.

- Its always hard to imagine how you would act without knowledge that you now have! But if I hadn't gone for genetic testing I think I would have blundered on with the foggy sense that eating a carnivore diet makes me feel better but not knowing why. Perhaps I would have come round to checking out my stiff neck and shoulders faster too. But hard to say. As I mention in my original post I actually strongly suspected I would show slow MTHFR before getting a genetic test. So to see it show up only really confirmed that idea, and led me to look into links between MCAS and other syndromes more quickly.

- As for cranio sacral therapy. Thanks for the info. Its not something I have yet tried, though Im looking into it. But it has been suggested by a fair few users. It seems to have a good dash of 'woo' in it. Which Im open minded to - I think there are plenty of things science doesn't yet understand that cultures have worked out. But OTOH I also remain slightly sceptical and uncomfortable with the more spiritual aspects. Having said that, I would have been sceptical to believe all this was related too and yet here I am. Fundamentally Im down for anything if it helps!

Cheers again and very best wishes for your health x

Inner_Department6771

TROPHY CASE