HEAD CONDITIONS

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome Condition

Treatment for Temporomandibular joint syndrome includes osteopathic techniques that relieve tension around the jaw muscles to improve function, restore range of motion, and reduce pain.

HEAD CONDITIONS

Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) Treatment in New York City

Temporomandibular joint syndrome treatment may include massage and other therapies that target tension in the jaw muscles to relieve pain, improve jawbone function, and restore range of motion.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?

Temporomandibular joint syndrome involves pain in the jaw joint (TMJ) that connects the lower jaw to each side of the skull, directly in front of the ear. The joints are made up of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, and control hinge movements and rotation in the jawbone. When problems occur in this area of the jaw, patients can experience head pain, neck discomfort, a locked jaw, ear pain, and issues with chewing and biting.


It is often difficult for doctors to determine the exact cause for this disorder, thought injuries and genetics are often factors. Surgery is typically required only in the most extreme cases, however. Fortunately, this syndrome can usually be treated with noninvasive measures, since symptoms are temporary in most instances. In addition, osteopathic care can be a useful option for helping patients to manage and relieve symptoms.

What Causes this Condition?

It is not always clear what causes this disorder. Some jawbone joint conditions occur as a result of a breakdown in the cartilage and disc that help to keep the joint’s movements smooth. The following can also contribute to joint problems:

  • The disc that separates the bones around the joint can erode or fall out of alignment
  • Physical impact can damage the joint
  • Cartilage becomes damaged by other medical conditions, like arthritis
  • Chronic teeth-grinding or clenching
  • Diseases that weaken the connective tissues around the joint
  • Any increased stress that results in tightening of the jaw muscles

What Are the Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome?

Signs and symptoms can include any of the following:

  • Ear pain and tinnitus
  • Hearing loss
  • Muscle spasms that may make swallowing difficult
  • Pain in the jaw joint or discomfort in the facial muscles
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Clicking or popping sounds when the jawbone joints move
  • Locked joints that inhibit jawbone movement

In some cases, patients may hear audible clicking when their jaw joint moves. In situations where that noise is not accompanied by other symptoms, it is likely that treatment is unnecessary. When pain, dizziness, or any other more serious symptoms are present, however, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

How We Can Help

Jaw and facial muscle pain can be extremely disruptive, affecting speech, eating habits, and other areas of life. Leonid Tafler, D.O. has the expertise and experience it takes to provide the effective osteopathic treatment you need to manage this syndrome and its symptoms. Using a combination of hands-on osteopathic techniques, educational resources, and lifestyle recommendations, he can help you minimize pain and enjoy an improved quality of life.

HEAD CONDITIONS

Head Conditions

Head conditions include headaches, migraines, whiplash-related head pain, and other ailments and injuries that cause pain, weakness, nausea, and other potentially debilitating symptoms.

Chronic Tension HeadachesHead InjuriesHeadachesMigrainesOccipital NeuralgiaTemporomandibular Joint SyndromeWhiplash Headaches

Contact Us Today

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Tafler. He will provide the examination and diagnosis you need and work with you to create a treatment plan that can help you live a more pain-free life.


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Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome Treatment Reviews

Margaret Sowa
Margaret Sowa
Hotel General Manager Brooklyn, NY

Through the years, every one treated by Dr. Tafler has had very positive and lasting results. I can't thank him enough for myself, my mom and for every dear person to my heart I sent to him. 🙂 Thank you Doctor! Words can't express what you've done and how many lives have changed. God bless you.

Boris Talis
Boris Talis
Four-time champion of the world in Sambo Combat. Black belt 6th Degree

I am a whole hardheartedly grateful to Dr.Tafler for this timely help in recovering the moving function of my shoulder joint. This helped me a win a gold medal and become the Champion of the world in Sambo combat in Greece 2012. I always tell my collegues and student to turn to the excellent and kind Dr. Leonid Tafler in case of any accident or injury.

Diana

Dr. Tafler started working with me though acupuncture, back adjustments and immediately I saw the progress and my pain was less and less with every visit to the doctor. I avoided a surgery thanks to Dr Tafler. I started to enjoy my life again. I am so thankful to the doctor, and have been recommending Dr Tafler to all my friends and coworkers who have back problems and other pains.

Thomas Rayder

Dr. Tafler recommended the OMT under anesthesia procedure. The procedure was performed and alleviated my pain immediately. I avoided surgery and have not had problems with my neck in 7 years now! I am so thankful to Dr. Tafler, the OMT under anesthesia procedure helped me so much!

Elizabeth Blend

Dr. Tafler took me in for a weekend to receive manipulation under anesthesia. Two weeks later I was able to walk without pain. I have been pain free since that moment until today, many years after initial treatment. Without his treatment I do not know if I would have been able to walk at all.

Hugo Barriga

Doctor Tafler, was my savior and there is not doubt he give me my back life; this OMT under anesthesia definitely recommend to everyone, this improve my back and relief a chronic pain. Try this before any aggressive treatment, this was over 5 years ago and I feel splendidly.

Beverly

Two weeks ago I came to his office. He is a very nice and very pleasant man. I told him about a terrible pain in my back. He gave me two injections and I was able to walk a lot better. I felt myself at my twenties. When I went for the second treatment under anesthesia, I was running up the stairs at my church. All my friends got very happy for me. So, I believe, this man is a hero! If not him, I would not be able to walk!