Acupuncture for Painful Temporomandibular Disorder

Launched by BEIJING HOSPITAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE · Dec 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of acupuncture on people with painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition that causes discomfort in the jaw area. Researchers want to learn how acupuncture works in the brain and how it can help relieve pain for those suffering from TMD. To do this, they will use advanced imaging techniques, like functional MRI, to see changes in the brain and machine learning to predict how well the treatment will work for each individual.

To participate in this trial, you would need to be between 18 and 70 years old and have been experiencing TMD-related pain for at least three months. However, there are some exclusions, such as if you've received certain treatments for TMD in the last month or have specific medical conditions. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo imaging tests and receive acupuncture treatment while contributing to important research that could lead to better, personalized care for people with TMD in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Having a history of pain-related TMD for at least three months;
• • 2. Aged between 18 and 70 years;
• • 3. Voluntary participation in the trial with signed informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Having received occlusal splint, injection therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, or TMD-specific medication (e.g., corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, muscle relaxants, opioids, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants) for managing facial pain within one month before the screening period;
• • 2. Having suffered from pain of dental origin, trauma, sinus pathology, neuropathic origin, inflammatory systemic diseases and cancer;
• • 3. Having a history of rheumatoid arthritis;
• • 4. Presence of mental illness or substance abuse;
• • 5. Pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant;
• • 6. Participants with common contra-indications for MRI such as claustrophobia or metal implants.