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A pilot study of a chiropractic intervention for management of chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorder
Journal article   Peer reviewed

A pilot study of a chiropractic intervention for management of chronic myofascial temporomandibular disorder

James W. DeVocht, Christine M. Goertz, Maria A. Hondras, Cynthia R. Long, Wally Schaeffer, Lauren Thomann, Michael Spector and Clark M. Stanford
The Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), Vol.144(10), pp.1154-1163
10/01/2013
DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2013.0034
PMCID: PMC4103021
PMID: 24080932

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Abstract

Background. Temporomandibular pain has multiple etiologies and a range of therapeutic options. In this pilot study, the authors assessed the feasibility of conducting a larger trial to evaluate chiropractic treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods. The authors assigned 80 participants randomly into one of the following four groups, all of which included a comprehensive self-care program: reversible interocclusal splint therapy (RIST), Activator Method Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) (Activator Methods International, Phoenix), sham AMCT and self-care only. They made assessments at baseline and at month 2 and month 6, including use of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Results. The authors screened 721 potential participants and enrolled 80 people; 52 participants completed the six-month assessment. The adjusted mean change in current pain over six months, as assessed on the 11-point numerical rating scale, was 2.0 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.1-3.0) for RIST, 1.7 (0.92.5) for self-care only, 1.5 (0.7-2.4) for AMCT and 1.6 (0.7-2.5) for sham AMCT. The authors also assessed bothersomeness and functionality. Conclusions. The authors found the study design and methodology to be manageable. They gained substantial knowledge to aid in conducting a larger study. AMCT, RIST and self-care should be evaluated in a future comparative effectiveness study. Practical Implications. This pilot study was a necessary step to prepare for a larger study that will provide clinicians with information that should be helpful when discussing treatment options for patients with TMD.
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology

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