Acupuncture for pain, mandibular function and oral health-related quality of life in patients with masticatory myofascial pain: A randomised controlled trial

Background Masticatory myofascial pain is the most prevalent muscular temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It primarily affects masseter and temporal muscles. Several treatments, including acupuncture, have been recommended. However, systematic reviews have highlighted gaps in studies and absence of conclusive results. Objectives We performed a randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving pain, mandibular function and oral health-related quality of life in women with masticatory myofascial pain. Methods Thirty-six patients diagnosed with masticatory myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) were divided into the following two groups: acupuncture and control (non-penetrating acupuncture).Treatment was performed weekly for 5 weeks, and pain, mandibular function and oral health-related quality of life were evaluated one week before treatment, one week after treatment and one month after treatment. Non-parametric and parametric tests were used for comparisons between times and treatment groups (significance level ofP <= .05). Results The acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in pain (P <= .01), which was not observed in the control group. Pain intensity was reduced by 61% and 84% at 1 week and 1 month after treatment, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements in mandibular function and oral health-related quality of life over time (P <= .01). Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference between the groups for any other evaluated outcome (P > .05). Conclusion Although acupuncture was effective in pain reduction, non-specific factors may have influenced mandibular function and oral health-related quality of life improvements in both groups, and this needs to be further addressed.