Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) encompass dysfunction and pain of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Pain in the TMJ, restricted jaw movement, and joint sounds are common conditions in this disorder. This can impact patients' ability to perform daily activities such as eating, speaking, laughing, or yawning, significantly affecting their quality of life. The TMJ and masticatory muscles are innervated by the auriculotemporal branch and the mandibular nerve (V3), a branch of the trigeminal nerve. An estimated 60% to 70% of the population shows signs of TMD, of which up to 12% report intense symptoms requiring treatment. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) could be a clinically relevant therapy in TMD patients applied through minimally invasive physiotherapy. To our knowledge, there are no trials evaluating the non-surgical clinical efficacy of PENS on the mandibular nerve. The project's objective is to assess the effectiveness of PENS on the mandibular nerve in this type of condition.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
pain intensity
Timeframe: At the beginning of each intervention session and one month after the end of the last intervention.
Pressure pain thresholds (PPT)
Timeframe: At the beginning of each intervention session and one month after the end of the last intervention.
Pain-free mandibular opening range of motion
Timeframe: At the beginning of each intervention session and one month after the end of the last intervention.