Efficacy of Acupuncture and Low-Level Laser in Temporomandibular Disorders

Efficacy of Acupuncture and Low-Level Laser in Temporomandibular Disorders

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) , a musculoskeletal condition , includes a series of clinical problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles, and related structures.This study evaluates the efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of TMD.

In this study, 84 patients ranging in age from 18 to 65 years with diagnoses of TMD will be randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) who will receive the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment group(with Low-Level Laser Therapy+acupuncture) and a control group who will receive the only western medicine treatment(with Low-Level Laser Therapy).Both approaches will be applied 3times a week for 3 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of TMD according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Research Diagnostic Criteria (DC/TMD）which are manifested as joint pain during mouth opening and chewing, mouth opening limitation (<40mm), joint clanging, masticatory creatine distension and weakness, which affects normal eating.
2. Aged 18-65;
3. Unilaterally;
4. No any other treatment on TMD in the last 3 months;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. there are tumors, joint degeneration and other serious lesions ;
2. Patients with a history of TMJ trauma or surgery,joint anatomical variation;
3. women pregnant and suckling period;
4. serious systemic diseases of bone and joint, such as rheumatoid arthritis