Auricular acupuncture in TMD - A sham-controlled, randomized, clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Pain Management
• Dental Research

Background:

• Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles.
• TMDs can manifest with significant physical and emotional symptoms, impacting patients' quality of life.
• Current treatment options include occlusal splints (OS), but alternative therapies like auricular acupuncture (AA) warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupuncture (AA) in improving physical (PA) and emotional (EA) aspects of patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
• To compare the therapeutic effects of AA with those of Sham acupuncture and occlusal splints (OS) in TMD patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial adhering to CONSORT guidelines was conducted with TMD patients assessed using RDC-TMD axes I and II.
• Patients were assigned to three groups: occlusal splints (OS), Sham acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture (AA), with an 8-week follow-up period.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests for intragroup and intergroup comparisons, with a significance level of α = 5%.

Main Results:

• Auricular acupuncture (AA) demonstrated significant improvements in 9 PA and 2 EA variables.
• Occlusal splints (OS) showed significant improvements in 8 PA and 8 EA variables.
• Both AA and OS groups exhibited significantly better outcomes compared to the Sham acupuncture group, with no statistically significant difference between AA and OS treatments.

Conclusions:

• Auricular acupuncture applied to a specific TMJ ear point is an effective treatment for improving physical and emotional symptoms in patients with TMDs.
• The therapeutic outcomes of auricular acupuncture are comparable to those achieved with occlusal splints for managing TMD symptoms.
• Auricular acupuncture presents a viable alternative or adjunctive therapy for individuals suffering from temporomandibular disorders.