Management of Resistant Myofascial Pain in temporomandibular joint disorders with Photobiomodulation

Abstract

Abstract Background: The existence of temporomandibular joint pain and/or dysfunction in masticatory muscles is characterized in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Non-surgical treatment is the first step in the treatment of TMDs. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is, due to its impact on biological processes, especially inflammation, considered as an adjuvant treatment modality in TMD cases. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT in treatment of resistant myofascial pain in patients with TMDs . Material and Methods: A total of 60 patients aged from 17 to 49 years, with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) myofascial pain or TMJ arthralgia were involved in this study, patients examined clinically and orthopantomographic radiographs were taken for all the patients to rule out any gross anatomical deformity in relation to the TMJ. All patients treated by PBMT or low level laser therapy (LLLT). Pain intensity, maximum active and passive mouth opening, lateral jaw motions were assessed before and immediately after finishing treatment and after 3 months follow up. Results: Statistically significant results were achieved in all study parameters Conclusion: this study shows that PBMT effectively relieves pain and improves TMJ functional outcomes in patients with TMDs. Keywords: Photobiomodulation, Low-level laser therapy, Temporomandibular joint, Temporomandibular disorder