Management of temporomandibular joint disorders using acupuncture: A case report

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a term for disease of the TMJ and the muscles attached to it. The symptoms and signs of TMD are clicking, crepitation, headache, and pain in and around the TMJ. Management of TMD includes dental approaches (e.g., splints, bite plates, and jaw exercises) and surgical approaches. Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine that consists of insertion of small solid stainless-steel needles into many acupoints on the body to improve health and relieve pain in the surrounding areas. Case Report: A 34-year-old male patient reported with severe pain in the right and left TMJ region and difficulty in opening of his mouth for the past 6 months. Extra-oral examination revealed tenderness on both sides of the face, deviation of the mouth toward the right side, the mouth opening was two finger breadths, and mild early-opening click. Intra-oral examination revealed the presence of 28 teeth. Orthopantogram did not show any changes in the condyle and articular eminence. The patient was initially treated with palliative therapy and then treated with acupuncture. Conclusion: Acupuncture is an alternative mode of treatment for persons with muscular TMD.