Treating patients with TMJ dysfunction has been the Vita Head, Neck & Facial Pain Relief Center’s focus since 1985. In those first years, conventional and supportive care modalities were incorporated into treatment regimens, but Dr. Vita sought to improve his patients’ outcomes. He consistently studied and researched within his field of expertise while honing his diagnostic skills and treatment proficiency.
In 2004, one of Dr. Vita’s patients informed him that she had been treated with a technique to correct her upper cervical spine and achieved significant relief. This treatment was atlas orthogonal therapy with Dr. Angelo Colavita. Not being familiar with this form of upper cervical spine therapy, Dr. Vita contacted Dr. Colavita and met to discuss his technique in treating disorders involving the neck (upper cervical spine). Following discussions and research, the doctors determined that neck disorders may be a contributing factor to TMJ disorders and facial pain. Dr. Vita knew that conventional modalities including medications, injections, physical therapy, chiropractic and even surgical intervention were not providing the optimal, desired response for his patients.
During that time, Dr. Vita’s son suffered whiplash playing high school football. His symptoms included neck and back pain and constant headaches. Conventional therapies were administered and did not provide relief. Dr. Vita contacted Dr. Colavita to request an evaluation of his neck to be considered for his atlas orthogonal treatment. Dr. Vita’s son was a candidate for the treatment and the initial adjustment was simple and measured with pin-point accuracy. There was instant and complete headache relief and Dr. Vita was very impressed.
Dr. Colavita and Dr. Vita met for further discussions and discovered that many of Dr. Colavita’s patients suffered with TMJ and occlusal bite disorders and many of Dr. Vita’s patients suffered from neck disorders. Both doctors then knew that the outcome of their patient treatments could be positively impacted by a multi-disciplinary approach.
During the following six months, Dr. Vita and Dr. Colavita collaborated on 30 patient cases; treating and closely monitoring protocols and outcomes. The discovery was amazing. Patients largely had a very positive experience with drastic or complete reduction of painful symptoms. The doctors knew that it was vital for both practices to combine the therapies in one office offering patients this multi-disciplinary care in one place. They developed treatment sequences, criteria and protocols for treating patients who suffered from both TMJ and upper cervical spine dysfunction and Dr. Colavita joined Dr. Vita in his Clifton, NJ practice.
The Vita, Head, Neck & Facial Pain Relief Center was the first and remains the only professional practice that has made this accurate correlation between these two disciplines and made combined therapy available to patients in one office. For over 20 years, Dr. Vita and Dr. Colavita have co-treated nearly 1,000 patients and the success of combining their therapies has significantly increased over their previous individual approaches.
This success is most certainly attributed to The Vita Head, Neck & Facial Pain Relief Center’s mission to determine the most appropriate diagnosis and pain source for each suffering patient. Treating the dysfunction and source of pain is the only way to begin healing which naturally results in a reduction or eradication of correlating symptoms.
Dr. Colavita is a true master of the atlas orthogonal specialized technique using CBCT imaging giving him the accuracy required for each patient specific measurement. He conducts teaching and training courses throughout the country for those looking to excel in this very specialized field.
Click here to read Craniocervical Misalignment Masquerading as Facial Pain: Options for Diagnosis and Management written by Dr. Vita
We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward relief.
Have questions about your symptoms, treatment options, or scheduling an appointment? Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to assist you. Whether you’re seeking relief from TMJ disorders, head and neck pain, facial discomfort, or general dental concerns, we take the time to listen and provide clear, thoughtful answers. From your first call to your ongoing care, we are committed to offering personalized support, helping you understand your options, and guiding you toward lasting comfort, improved function, and exceptional care.
