| Objective：To observe the effectiveness of acupuncture stimulation in pain points combined with exercise therapy for temporomandibular joint disorders.Methods: Totally 63 patients with temporomandibular joint disorders were divided into control group (n=31) and treatment group (n=32) according to the method of random number table, with 3 cases falling off during treatment, and there were 30 cases in control group and treatment group respectively. Both groups were treated with exercise therapy, including fascial manipulation, temporomandibular joint mobilization in combination with publicity and education. The treatment group was given the acupuncture stimulation in pain points additionally. Before and after treatment for 4 weeks, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Helkimo clinical dysfunction index and clinical efficacy standard were used to evaluate the two groups of patients. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, VAS and Helkimo scores in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (all P<0.01), and the above scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01).Conclusion: Acupuncture stimulation in pain points combined with exercise therapy to treat temporomandibular joint disorders can relieve pain and reduce the dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, which is more effective than exercise therapy alone. |
