Effects of acupuncture in adults with temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Temporomandibular disorders are functional and/or structural temporomandibular joint changes, of multifactorial origin, thus difficult to treat. So, acupuncture is a very useful alternative to handle such disorders. This study aimed at evaluating in adults with temporomandibular disorders, after at least 12 months of acupuncture treatment, whether results were maintained.METHODS:Participated in the study 20 patients with temporomandibular disorders, treated in the acupuncture clinic of the Dentistry School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas, who were evaluated in the beginning, immediately after treatment and at least 12 months after treatment, through the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients' history was obtained in the initial visit, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns, being checked pain intensity reported by patients (VAS0). Acupuncture was performed aiming at the energetic balance according to diagnosed pattern and reported pain (VAS1) was again evaluated at treatment completion (mean of six sessions lasting 20 minutes). Patients were revaluated (VAS2) after at least 12 months (12 to 18 months). ANOVA was used to compare moments initial, post-treatment and one year after, with significance of 5%.RESULTS:Means for VAS0, VAS1 and VAS2 were 5.9, 1.65 and 2.45, respectively. There has been statistical difference between VAS0 and VAS1 (p0.05).CONCLUSION:Data have shown that acupuncture treatment in adults with temporomandibular disorders has decreased pain and that such decrease was maintained for at least 12 months.

Keywords

• Acupuncture
• Oral health
• Orofacial pain
• Temporomandibular joint