Comparison of the Effectiveness of Three Different Acupuncture Methods for TMD-Related Pain: A Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract

Purpose. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three acupuncture methods for temporomandibular disorders- (TMDs-) related pain. Materials and Methods. Different locations of pain, according to DC/TMD clinical assessment, were considered: temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, head, and neck. Sixty patients were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups (20 patients in each): group BA received body acupuncture, group EA received electroacupuncture, and group CA received acupuncture + cupping. The groups were compared in terms of pain (verbal numeric scale), pain-related disability (Brief Inventory Pain, BPI), and impression of the treatment’s effectiveness (Patients' Global Impression of Improvement Scale, PGI-I). These were recorded before sessions of acupuncture treatment (T0), after 8 sessions of acupuncture treatment (T1), and after 4 weeks of follow-up after treatment (T2). The between-group and within-group differences in the data were analyzed statistically. The baseline characteristics were similar in all groups ( p > 0.05 ). Results. Significant improvements were noted in all types of pain compared to baseline values in all groups (all p < 0.05 ). No significant differences were noted in the improvement of TMDs-related pain according to the different acupuncture techniques (all p > 0.05 ). All acupuncture methods used resulted to be significantly effective in improving the pain-related interference in the patient’s common activities and quality of life. EA resulted to be significantly more effective than BA and CA in improving the interference of pain with patients’ mood ( p = 0.015 ) and quality of sleep ( p = 0.014 ). Conclusion. BA, EA, and CA are all effective acupuncture methods in reducing pain and pain interference with common activities and quality of life in patients affected by TMD.

Exploring the Association between Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) and Orthodontics

“…A recent study by Yap et al reported a higher level of psychological disturbance and poor quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe TMD [5,6]. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in TMD patients [7].…”

Abdominal Acupuncture for Non-Responding TMD Patients: a Retrospective Observational Study in General Practice

“…Acupuncture therapy (AT) is an effective method of pain management, especially for pain of musculoskeletal origin, including TMD [13,14]. Several clinical studies analyzed the effects of different types of acupuncture treatments on pain related to TMD and proven its effectiveness, especially for pain of muscular origin, such as myalgia and myofascial pain [15][16][17]. In the OP field, classic somatic AT is the most investigated AT method, followed by laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture and several microsystems AT methods, such as ear, scalp, mouth, and fingers [16][17][18][19].…”

Acupuncture and Spinal Stenosis: Considerations for Treatment

“…16,17 Although to a lesser degree, acupuncture has shown some evidence in the attenuation of neck pain, dental-associated pain, and pain associated with temporomandibular disorders. 14,18,19 Acupuncture has been tested on pain relief associated with arthritic conditions, which include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and on depressive symptoms that are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder, generally with relatively little to no demonstrated positive effect. [20][21][22] Multiple studies have now demonstrated that the prevalence of acupuncture use in the USA, in recent decades, has increased massively.…”