Acupuncture for temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review.

AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for the symptomatic treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) from a review of studies using randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Electronic databases were systematically searched for articles reporting RCTs investigating acupuncture for TMD. The methodological qualities of eligible studies were assessed using the criteria described in the Cochrane Handbook.

RESULTS

Nineteen reports were systematically reviewed. There was moderate evidence that classical acupuncture had a positive influence beyond those of placebo (three trials, 65 participants); had positive effects similar to those of occlusal splint therapy (three trials, 160 participants); and was more effective for TMD symptoms than physical therapy (four trials, 397 participants), indomethacin plus vitamin B1 (two trials, 85 participants), and a wait-list control (three trials, 138 participants). Only two RCTs addressed adverse events and reported no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review noted moderate evidence that acupuncture is an effective intervention to reduce symptoms associated with TMD. There is a need for acupuncture trials with adequate sample sizes that address the long-term efficacy or effectiveness of acupuncture.