Evaluation of auriculotherapy in pain reduction in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), characterized by pain in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Auriculotherapy, according to Chinese medicine, represents a microsystem of the body where there are specific points for pain treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in reducing pain in TMD patients. We evaluated patients who sought the dental clinic of the University of West Santa Catarina complaining of orofacial pain. Thirty-three patients with TMD were selected by the American Orofacial Pain Association (AAPO) questionnaire. For clinical evaluation and muscle palpation, the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Research questionnaire was used. Using the visual analog scale (VAS), the patient pointed out his perception of pain at the time, so that auriculotherapy was performed at the Shen Men, Subcortex, TMJ, mandible and maxilla points. VAS was reapplied 1 hour, 24 hours and 7 days after auriculotherapy. Reduction in pain level was observed at all times of treatment. Pain reduction was maintained after 24 hours and after 7 days, being statistically significant (p=0.000), demonstrating the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in pain control in the evaluated cases.