Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is defined as a type of craniofacial pain involving musculoskeletal problems of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscle, and related head and neck area.
Primary TMD symptoms include:
- Pain in Temporomandibular joint
- Referred pain to neck, back and face
- Headaches
- Limited or asymmetrical jaw movement
- TMJ crepitation (cracking/popping sound when opening the mouth)
- Dental Issues
Research for Acupuncture use for TMJ:
A A meta-analysis of 22 research articles on effects of acupuncture on TMJ of 22 research articles on effects of acupuncture on TMJ, the results were as follow:
- Acupuncture group vs Inactive group (no treatment): Meta-analysis results regarding pain VAS (visual analogue scale) showed that acupuncture was significantly more effective than inactive control use for pain improvement, acupuncture also significantly improved MMO (Maximal mouth opening) when treatment groups were compared with inactive control groups. A meta-analysis also showed that Acupuncture significantly affected the effect rate (the measure of the outcome or result of a particular intervention, phenomenon, or variable within the scope of the study).
- Acupuncture VS active group: Acupuncture vs conventional treatment (wester medicine, splinting, and physical therapy). The meta-analysis showed that acupuncture significantly affected the effect rate compare to the use of conventional treatment. The Meta-analysis showed that Acupuncture significantly improved pain compared to laser therapy, no difference between acupuncture and splinting in MMO (Maximal mouth opening).
- Acupuncture as add-on treatment to the active control (Physical therapy, Wester medicine and physical therapy). A meta-analysis of VAS outcome indicators revealed that the add-on treatment (acupuncture and active treatment) group had VAS values that were significantly improved when compared with the active treatment group.
As demonstrated in the meta-analysis above, acupuncture may be an effective treatment for TMJ—either on its own or as an adjunct therapy—to alleviate pain and enhance mouth range of motion.
At Yarrow Holistic Center in West Lafayette Indiana, we offer acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and near-infrared light therapy to alleviate pain and inflammation, promote muscle relaxation, and accelerate tissue repair for a wide range of pain-related conditions
