A systematic review by Swiss authors supports the use of acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Seven RCTs (including 141 patients) met their inclusion criteria. Six studies compared acupuncture against penetrating sham acupuncture, non-penetrating sham acupuncture or sham laser acupuncture, whilst the remaining study tested laser acupuncture against sham laser acupuncture. Five of the studies were considered to be at low risk of bias. The results produced limited evidence that acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture in alleviating pain and masseter muscle tenderness in TMD. The authors recommend rigorous studies to establish the benefit of acupuncture for this condition. (Limited evidence that acupuncture is effective for treating temporomandibular disorders. Evid Based Dent. 2011;12(3):89).
Categories: Miscellaneous disorders, Temperomandibular / Jaw
