Acupuncture helps TMJ Dysfunction

Acupuncture has long-lasting positive effects on the symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, according to researchers at Hannover Medical School in Germany. They undertook a secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial in which 96 patients aged 18 to 65, with frequent chronic or episodic tension headaches were assigned to one of four groups: acupuncture, therapeutic exercise (cardio, strength and endurance training), a combination of both, or usual care. Treatment lasted six weeks, with follow-up at three and six months.

At the three month point, all three intervention groups showed improvements compared with the usual care group. After six months however, only the acupuncture group maintained a significant improvement compared with the control group. The authors speculate at length on the interplay between TMJ dysfunction and tension headaches.

(Effects on temporomandibular disorder in the treatment of tension-type headache with acupuncture and therapeutic exercises. A secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, February 2024.)

Author: Robin Costello

I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training. I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.