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Initial therapeutic approaches for orofacial myofascial pain: three pilot studies
Irmgard Simma-Kletschka1, Nikolaus Artacker2, Michael Balla2
1Office for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Dentistry, Orthodontics and Oral Health, Bregenz, Austria.
Objective:
Myofascial pain diminishes the stomatognathic function and hinders clinical diagnosis. Therefore, initial pain reduction is crucial before definitive treatment. Here, the clinical validity of non-pharmaceutical therapies, including the Aqualizer® splint, physiotherapy, and dry-needle acupuncture was comparatively assessed.
Methods:
Myofascial pain patients (n = 28; 20-65 years old) were examined through a visual analog scale, and intra- and extra-oral muscle palpation. Mandibular maximum opening and neck mobility were also evaluated. Changes in parameters through time were analyzed via the Kruskal-Wallis test, while the Friedman test and dot-plots were used for comparative therapies assessment. General patient improvement was represented via an isometric Principal Component.
Results:
The Aqualizer® and physiotherapy resulted in improvement of all parameters except for mouth opening. Acupuncture improved extra-oral muscle pain and neck mobility.
Conclusion:
The Aqualizer®, physiotherapy, and oral acupuncture are effective initial pain therapies. Among all, physiotherapy provided the greatest benefits, followed by the Aqualizer®.
