Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius Muscles’ Spasm for Treatment and Alleviation of Temporomandibular Disorders

Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of low-level laser therapy LLLT on pain intensity of different cervicofacial muscles symptoms to alleviation of temporomandibular disorders TMDs. 
 Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients. Patients were divided into three equal groups. The LLLT were received in Group 1: on masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints TMJs. Group 2: on neck muscles. Group 3: on both masticatory and neck muscles with TMJ. Pain intensity was assessed before and after treatment by Visual Analogue Scale, and TMJ clicks recorded by normal listening, feeling, and palpation. Inter-incisor distance measured by digital Vernia calliper and LLLT therapy provided by BIOLASE-EPIC device. (Germany). 
 Results: Demographic features were not different among the groups. The highest pain score per case for TMJ and muscle, TMJ alone (arthrogenic), Muscle alone (myogenic) before and after LLLT was improved significantly p-value of <0.001.The majority of click types 38.4% improved, the frequency and types of clicks that were decreased significantly in all groups. The majority of clicks were either disappeared 40% or changed from painful to painless 31.7% clicks significantly p-value = 0.003. The maximum opening capacity MOC was significantly increased p<0.001 after LLLT. 
 Conclusions: The result recorded significant association between TMJ pain and neck muscles symptom. Further, there was significant improvement in TMD pain relief, TMJ click, and MOC after the application of LLLT to the neck muscles, Therefore LLLT could be suggested as a TMDs treatment option and added to the treatment protocol of TMDs.