Acupuntura de microsistemas para el dolor craneomandibular: un estudio aleatorizado y controlado

Abstract

Background Patients suffering from craniomandibular disorders describe their problems not only as toothache, but also as facial pain. Limitation of movement and a tense feeling in the temporomandibular joint as well as pain in the vertebra are also possible. To treat such symptoms, an interdisciplinary approach (myofascial, stomatognath, lymphatic system) is necessary. Relieving the patientś symptoms as quickly as possible helps to improve the compliance with the patient, thereby facilitating further therapies. Aim To assess the effects of acupuncture on the acute symptoms in patients with craniomandibular disorder in comparison to placebo laser treatment. Primary end points are pain intensity (quantified using Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), functional muscle test, ability to open the mouth, axiographic evaluation as well as the palpation and treatment of sensitive acupuncture points. Methods 23 patients with craniomandibular disorder were recruited for the randomised controlled double blind trial. They were divided into two groups: the verum group received acupuncture in the style of “very point”, as described by Gleditsch. The second group received treatment with a placebo laser on the same points as a control group. Before and after each session of treatment, the following diagnostic findings were recorded in each group: subjective pain (VAS), mouth opening ability (mm), pressure sensitivity of the face and neck muscles, and pressure sensitivity of the acupuncture areas (MAPS). The therapeutic intervention was not performed by the examiner. Results Muscle pain ranking from 0 (no pain) to 3 (very painful) in the acupuncture group (19,1 ± 11,9) was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (6,2 ± 14,8): p = 0,03. Pressure-pain sensitivity of the neck and masticatory muscles was significantly reduced in most of the tested muscles (p < 0,05) among the acupuncture group. Patients in the acupuncture group showed a slight improvement of mandibular movement in comparison to the placebo group, but this observation remained without a statistical significance. Conclusion This RCT shows that acupuncture with the “very point” method can improve symptoms of craniomandibular disorders within a short period of time. Further studies are necessary and projected to prove the long term effect within a larger group of patients.