Acupuncture for TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a large sliding hinge within your jaw, often overlooked until it brings about discomfort. Inflammation in the TMJ can lead to considerable discomfort, severely affecting jaw movements like eating and talking. This condition is commonly termed “TMJ syndrome,” “TMJ dysfunction,” or simply “TMJ.”
Acupuncture for TMJ Underlying Causes
TMJ dysfunction is surprisingly common, affecting about one in three adults in the U.S. at some point in their lives. While there are many conventional approaches to treating TMJ pain, acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as a holistic method to remedy temporomandibular disorders.
Research suggests that acupuncture can suppress the pain neurons (nociceptive trigeminal nucleus caudalis and spinal dorsal horn neurons) related to the TMJ through regulation of neurotransmitters. Through direct stimulation of the nerve, the modulation of chemicals and signals in the body helps block pain perception of the brain and reduce pain sensation.
Acupuncture is additionally found to relax muscles that may be placing an improper amount of force on the meniscus of the TMJ. By targeting specific acupuncture points, this practice helps alleviate muscle tension and imbalance that could otherwise strain the delicate structure of the TMJ’s meniscus. This relief from muscular tension not only eases discomfort but also plays a crucial role in restoring the natural balance and function of the temporomandibular joint.
Acupuncture stands out as a unique method for not only alleviating the pain linked to TMJ dysfunction but also for addressing its underlying cause. Stress often resides within the muscles surrounding the jaw, contributing to TMJ issues. Acupuncture offers a promising avenue by effectively relaxing these muscles, providing relief from the stress they hold. This dual approach not only tackles the immediate discomfort but also targets the fundamental source of TMJ dysfunction, offering a comprehensive way to manage and alleviate its effects.
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Acupuncture for TMJ Pain
Addressing the root cause of TMJ dysfunction is crucial, yet it’s equally important to pay attention to the pain it causes. Numerous studies highlight acupuncture as an effective approach in alleviating TMJ-related discomfort and pain.
A single-blind randomized controlled clinical study in 2007 measured the effect of acupuncture on pain responses in TMJ-related muscle pain. The researchers assigned 15 patients randomly to either receive acupuncture or sham acupuncture after clenching their teeth for 2 minutes.
After each session, pain was evaluated on an 11-point numeric rating scale, visual analog scale, and pain rating of mechanical pressure on the masseter muscle. While the sample size of the study was small, the acupuncture produced a statistically significant reduction in face pain, neck pain, and headache when compared to sham acupuncture.
A similar study that same year explored the true efficacy of acupuncture for TMJ myofascial pain. The study at the University of Manchester found real acupuncture to have a greater statistically significant clinical outcome on TMJ myofascial pain than those of sham acupuncture.
While immediate pain relief is optimal, a follow-up study in 2008 evaluated acupuncture for long-term pain relief. The study checked in on TMJ disorder patients who had received acupuncture and/or interocclusal appliance therapy 18-20 years earlier. Interocclusal appliance therapy is a splint that is intended to cushion the dental bite.
While the original study was a randomized controlled study, the follow-up study only questioned those who had received the treatment. For follow up studies, it is difficult to include the participants in the control group because typically those participants seek treatment after the trial.
Before treatment, 87% of participants had severe TMJ disorder symptoms. After either or both treatments, only 38% complained of severe symptoms at the follow-up. The majority of patients reported similar reductions in specific symptoms such as headache prevalence.
In 2006, an evaluation of 60 case reports revealed significant TMJ pain relief from acupuncture. Dentists from Britain submitted case reports detailing the use of acupuncture on specific points within the TMJ, masticatory muscles, and neck to alleviate TMJ pain.
The mean pain scores reduced from 7.35 before acupuncture therapy to 2.67 after therapy. A beneficial reduction was noted in 85% of patients with an average reduction in pain of 75%!
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Acupuncture VS Conventional TMJ Treatments
Contemporary approaches to TMJ dysfunction typically involve treatments like jaw appliance therapy or surgery. However, acupuncture emerges as a notably less invasive alternative that can complement or stand-alone alongside these conventional treatments.
Furthermore, as highlighted earlier, acupuncture offers additional support by potentially minimizing the necessity for pharmaceuticals such as NSAIDs and opioids, allowing patients to explore more holistic avenues for managing TMJ discomfort.
To evaluate acupuncture against general forms of self-care, researchers conducted a study in 2012 where they randomly assigned patients with severe TMJ pain to either partake in a traditional Chinese medicine group of a self-care group. The traditional Chinese medicine group provided personalized care to patients, incorporating a range of treatments such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, massage therapies, and lifestyle counseling tailored to each individual.
The self-care group included jaw strengthening exercises, stress management, and cognitive behavioral therapy. After 8 weeks, the participants in the traditional Chinese medicine group reported a significantly greater pain relief in comparison to the self-care group.
Lastly, a 2015 randomized controlled study assigned participants with TMJ dysfunction to either receive acupuncture or a splint. The study measured both pain on a visual analog scale and the range of mouth opening on a millimeter ruler.
Both therapies provided significant reduction in pain and an increase in the range of mouth opening. Furthermore, this scientific study demonstrated that acupuncture could be just as effective as the conventional splint treatment.
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What to do about your TMJ Pain
Chronic pain, regardless of its source, can significantly disrupt daily life and should not be overlooked. Fortunately, various therapies aim not only to alleviate pain but also to address its underlying causes. Among these approaches, acupuncture stands out as a promising option. Its effectiveness has even caught the attention of dentists, including those affiliated with the British Dental Acupuncture Society, highlighting its growing acceptance and utilization in pain management.
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