Efficacy of acupuncture in managing jaw joint and facial pain

INTERVENTION: A randomized controlled trails was undertaken at the Department of Oral Medicine, University of Damascus Dental School. The patients were randomly distributed into the two study groups using the computer (Research Randomizer) The Acupuncture intervention: In this study, clinical overlap points were identified based on clinical studies of TMJ disorders and alternative Chinese medicine of meridian energy release and acupoint functions. Sixteen needle insertions were performed per subject per session, and all patients received the same treatment at all sessions in order to minimize variations across treatments. Before applying the needles, asepsis with 70% alcohol and cotton was performed. Disposable stainless spiral cable needles were used. Needles were inserted in the following bilateral points on meridians that cross the area of pain or with analgesia and energy rebalancing function4, the periodic applications of needles within the specified points was carried out on 4 sessions, with a difference of 5 days between them. small intestine meridian point 18(Si 18), stomach meridian point 6(St 6), stomach meridian point 7(St 7)5. The depth of needle penetration followed the specifications of each point with respect to the physical characteristics of the patients, the acupuncturist performed manual stimulation with the inde Xfinger and thumb at a rate of three to five rotations per second, alternating clockwise and counterclockwise rotations until obtaining of, this is according to instructions of traditional Chinese medicine TCM6. The control group technique (placebo acupuncture): Subjects underwent a simulated acupuncture technique (placebo acupuncture), as previously described. The placebo acupuncture procedure was performed similarly to the acupuncture group and used t CONDITION: The sample was composed of patients with masticatory myofascial pain. ; Nervous System Diseases PRIMARY OUTCOME: Pain measured using visual analog scale (VAS) before each intervention session and 48 hour after each session and at the following assessment times: 45 days, and 3 month after the last acupuncture intervention SECONDARY OUTCOME: Mandibular function: the amount of mouth opening was measured before the first interventional session and again after the last one, using a millimeter scale from the cutting edge of the upper left central incisor to the cutting edge of the lower left central incisor. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Masticatory myofascial pain according to the diagnostic criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD); 2. Adult healthy patients from both sexes within over 18 years of age; 3. Pain intensity = 4, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for at least 3 months