A Controlled Clinical Trial
Luciano Ambrosio Ferreira, Eduardo Grossmann, [...], and Antonio Carlos Pires Carvalho
Reference
PMC4553336 (Ref ID)
Chosen Image filename: PMC4553336_Figure_02.jpg
Document structure and format:
I. Introduction
The research paper titled "Ear Acupuncture Therapy for Masticatory Myofascial and Temporomandibular Pain: A Controlled Clinical Trial" focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture as an adjuvant therapy for individuals with temporomandibular and masticatory myofascial symptoms. The study aims to compare the outcomes of two groups: one receiving auricular acupuncture in addition to occlusal splint treatment, and the other receiving only occlusal splint treatment.
II. Methodology
The study utilized a controlled clinical trial design. Twenty female participants with diagnosed temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 served as the control and received only occlusal splint treatment, while Group 2 received auricular acupuncture in addition to occlusal splint treatment. The intensity of the participants' symptoms was evaluated at five different time points. Data collection involved orofacial muscle and joint palpation to measure pain intensity.
III. Results
Both the control group and the study group showed a statistically significant decrease in muscle and joint symptoms. However, the study group demonstrated a more significant reduction in symptomatology compared to the control group, even as early as the first week of therapy. The results indicate that auricular acupuncture therapy has a synergistic effect when combined with conventional occlusal splint treatment, effectively reducing symptoms in the short term.
IV. Discussion
The findings of the study suggest that auricular acupuncture can be an effective adjuvant therapy for individuals with temporomandibular and masticatory myofascial pain. The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of combining ear acupuncture with occlusal splint treatment, showing faster symptom reduction compared to the use of occlusal splints alone. These findings have significant implications for the management of TMD and highlight the potential of auricular acupuncture as a safe and effective alternative or complementary treatment option. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study, such as the small sample size and potential bias, and further research is warranted to validate these findings on a larger scale.
V. Conclusion
In summary, this research paper presents a controlled clinical trial evaluating the use of auricular acupuncture therapy as an adjuvant treatment for temporomandibular and masticatory myofascial pain. The results indicate that combining ear acupuncture with occlusal splint treatment leads to a more significant reduction in symptoms compared to using occlusal splints alone. This study contributes to the understanding of alternative treatment options for TMD and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating auricular acupuncture into conventional therapies. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the long-term effects of auricular acupuncture in managing TMD.
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