Conservative therapies to treat pain and anxiety associated with temporomandibular disorders: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that affects the stomatognathic system. Objective To determine the effect of treatment with an occlusal splint (OS), manual therapy (MT), counselling (CS) and the combination of an occlusal splint and counselling (OSCS) on pain and anxiety in patients with TMD. Materials and methods A randomised clinical trial was conducted with 89 patients diagnosed with TMD through RDC/TMD (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) and divided into four groups of treatment: OSCS (n = 25); OS (n = 24); MT (n = 21); and CS (n = 19). Participants were assessed before and after 1 month of therapy for pain, anxiety and TMD diagnosis. Pain was measured by a visual analogue scale. To assess anxiety, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S and T) were used. The data were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) 22.0. Results The four groups obtained a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the pain after 1 month of treatment. Treatment in all groups promoted a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms 1 month after completion, HADS (P < 0.001), BAI (P < 0.001), STAI-T (P = 0.006). Thus, no group was superior to the other in reducing the studied variables. Conclusion The therapies used were effective in reducing pain and anxiety in patients diagnosed with TMD. However, no treatment was superior to the other in reducing the studied variables.