Dolor orofacial por trastornos menstruales: valoración del tratamiento con acupuntura. Relato de un caso

Abstract

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is the most common type of orofacial pain, and is a clinical condition that mainly affects women of reproductive age. The evidence suggests that the intensity of pain in TMD can be modulated due to variations in oestrogen levels, whether due to the common menstrual cycle or intensified in common menstrual disorders, such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The recognition of these disturbances is important for the modulation of pain in the crisis arising from the hormonal variations, which can affect the quality of life of these women at each menstrual cycle. The identification of a possible association between TMD and the gynaecological problem could lead to therapeutic strategies. Due to the aetiological variability, several therapeutic modalities are proposed for the treatment of TMD, including acupuncture. The aim of this study was to describe a case of a patient with TMD and menstrual problems, was treated with acupuncture, as well as to determine the results after the treatment. The patient had 4 sessions with needles in points previously defined through her anamnesis for the identification of her pattern of energetic changes according to Traditional Chinese Medicine for the stabilisation of the Chong Mai, as well as local points for TMD, being combined with the assessment and breathing practice for relaxation. The pain levels were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at the beginning and at the end of each session for TMD and a follow-up of the general clinical signs and symptoms. The acupuncture brought about the remission of the pain in the temporomandibular joint and mastication muscles and an improvement in the symptoms associated with TMD, as well to regulate the gynaecological changes.