TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)

Treated by Sheetal Deo, D.O., serving Midtown Manhattan and all of New York City.

For more than 10 million Americans, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) can cause severe jaw pain, clicking, locking, and other problems. Dr. Sheetal Deo, a leading Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, understands the causes and effects of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and she’s here to help. Using a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Deo helps you recover so you can enjoy life without jaw pain. Set your appointment up online or call the New York City office today.

What is TMJ?

TMJ is the commonly used abbreviation for temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. These two joints, which hinge your jawbone and skull, are just in front of your ears. TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Jaw pain, soreness, or fatigue
  • Ear area pain or aches
  • Pain or discomfort when you chew
  • Face aches
  • Clicking when you move your jaw
  • Jaw grinding or grating
  • Jaw locking
  • Headaches and migraines

If you suffer from a temporomandibular joint disorder, or you suspect a problem with your jaw, Dr. Sheetal Deo can help you recover using specialized Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and comprehensive multidisciplinary care tailored just for you.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms can occur with any interference in normal jaw balance or function. Some common causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction include:

  • Disc misalignment
  • Disc degeneration
  • Arthritis-related cartilage damage
  • Blow to the jaw
  • Teeth clenching
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Teeth misalignment
  • Connective tissue disorders affecting joints

Other factors, like stress, may also cause or worsen TMJ. Sometimes, the cause isn’t certain. Dr. Deo uses a full range of sophisticated on-site diagnostic equipment to determine the reason or reasons for your TMJ so she can formulate a treatment plan with maximum efficacy.

What causes temporomandibular joint dysfunction?

What is done for temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatment?

Dr. Deo develops temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatment plans after carefully evaluating your symptoms and the underlying cause of your TMJ dysfunction. As a board-certified osteopathic manipulative medicine expert, Dr. Deo uses a variety of manual techniques to relieve the imbalances that led to your TMJ disorder.

She can precisely manipulate your joints, surrounding muscles, discs, and other tissue to relieve obstructions and reposition your temporomandibular joint in the optimal alignment for long-term relief. Additionally, Dr. Deo may recommend multidisciplinary care, such as Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture, or Massage from her experienced on-site colleagues.

In most cases, you can relieve temporomandibular joint dysfunction with nonsurgical care, particularly if you get treatment as soon as you notice jaw pain and its associated problems. But, if you delay care for a long time, it could cause irreversible changes in your joint that require surgery.

Schedule An Appointment

If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal or sports-related injury or just chronic pain, we encourage you to see us for a more hands-on, comprehensive treatment plan.

Accepted Insurances

We accept most major insurances. Please contact the medical office for all your insurance related questions.