Laser-acupuntura adjuvante à terapia oclusal reversível: um ensaio clínico controlado em pacientes com desordens temporomandibulares

Abstract

The temporomandibular chronic symptoms are accompanied by various clinical and emotional expressions that interact unfavorably on patients’ pain perception. Considering the statement, this clinical trial proposed to verify laser-acupuncture therapy efficacy to the patients’ symptoms through a double-blind evaluation controlled by placebo. The study was conducted on a sample of 40 female subjects, located between the ages of 20 and 40 years, with chronic myofascial pain and arthralgia diagnose, as determined by Research to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group that received the laser acupuncture therapy adjunct to reversible occlusal splint therapy (ROST), while the control group received placebo laser associated with ROST. Both approaches have been imposed for three months, driven by the same therapist, dentist and acupuncturist. Laser acupuncture therapy was applied once a week, for twelve sessions, defined by the parameters: infrared laser radiation, 50mW power output, directed punctuality for 90 seconds to acupuncture points: ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, NT3 and EX-HN3, defining 4.5J energy, 1250W/cm2 density point and 112.5 J/cm2 total density. The primary outcome measure included an assessment of the physical symptoms evolution through the monthly check of the intensity of spontaneous and palpation pain, indicated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The symptoms intensity of depression and somatization was evaluated by the RDC / TMD axis II, administered before and after therapy institution. All evaluations were conducted by a blind assessor. The result shows values of pain intensity significantly lower in experimental group (p ≤ 0.05) since the first month intervention for all structures examined. At the end of the interventions was observed remission of painful symptoms (VAS = 0) in the experimental group and a partial reduction of symptoms in the control group (VAS between 2 and 4). Regarding psychosocial factors, levels of somatization and depression symptoms were modified with the interventions taken in both groups, however, the experimental group showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0,05) compared to the control group. The laser acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to reversible occlusal splint was effective in remission of temporomandibular disorder physics symptoms, also reducing nonspecific physical 9 symptoms and depression associated with stress and chronic pain.