TMJ and Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE & TEMPEROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION

An audit of 60 patients with temperomandibular joint dysfunction was compiled from the practices of 15 dentists in Britian. The mean age of the patients (predominantly female) was 40.6 years, and the average duration of the disorder was 32 months. The patients received a mean of 3.4 treatments (each lasting 12 minutes). A beneficial effect was observed in 85% of patients with an average reduction in pain intensity of 75%.

(Rosted P et al. The use of acupuncture in the treatment of temperomandibular dysfunction – an audit. Acupuncture in Medicine (2006) 24; 1: 16-22).

CHINESE MEDICINE FOR TEMPEROMANDIBULAR JOINT PROBLEMS

Chinese medicine (TCM) was demonstrated to be significantly more effective for temperomandibular joint disorders than speciality care (SC) in a study of 110 women randomised to receive one or the other. TCM consisted of individualised acupuncture, herbs, tui na and relaxation (20 visits over four months). SC consisted of bite splint, education, massage and pharmacotherapy. Patients improved in both groups, with the TCM group showing more rapid improvement and significantly greater improvement in worst pain at six months, as well as greater improvements in general health. (12th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care, 19-21 September 2005, Exeter, UK).