A Novel Case of Orofacial Pain Treated by Dry Needling Technique - A Case Report

Abstract

needling uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal pain and impairment in movement [9]. The advantages of dry needling are increasingly documented and include an immediate reduction in local, referred, and widespread pain, restoration of range of motion and muscle activation patterns, and a normalization of the immediate chemical environment of active myofascial trigger points [10]. The purpose of this case report is to imply the importance of considering myofascial trigger points in orofacial pain including ear pain and to support the efficacy of dry needling technique in the management of such pain. Case DescriptionA 29 year old female patient came to the department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, with a chief complaint of pain over left preauricular and left ear for the past 3 months. She had no other relevant history of trauma or infection. The pain was dull, diffuse and continuous in nature and it also referred to the left temporal region. She was also experiencing headache from the same duration. The pain was aggravating on chewing food and also disturbing her sleep. She was a tailor by profession for the past ten years. She first consulted an ENT specialist who cleared her of any ear dysfunctions however she was put on muscle relaxants for seven days. The pain subsided on taking the medication but aggravated soon after the course was over. She was referred to a neurologist and was advised for a CT scan of the head which revealed no abnormalities.The patient was admitted into the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology for further evaluation and management.On pain assessment, the pain was nine in numeric pain rating scale. The patient was primarily concerned about her left ear pain. On extra oral examination, there was no swelling over the temporomandibular