Dry Needling for Temporomandibular Disorder

Inclusion Criteria * Patients aged between 18 and 45 years presenting with complaints of jaw pain to the Department of Dentistry at A University. * Diagnosed with myofascial pain associated with temporomandibular dysfunction by a dentist, based on the Axis I criteria of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). * Jaw pain persisting for at least three months. * Pain elicited upon palpation of the masseter and/or temporalis muscles. * Presence of clicking or crepitus in the temporomandibular joint during mandibular movements. * Self-reported jaw muscle fatigue or stiffness, particularly upon awakening. Exclusion Criteria * History of any confirmed or suspected inflammatory or neurological condition. * Presence of any oral or dental infection. * Any cognitive or communication impairment affecting data collection. * History of head or facial trauma. * Allergy to metals.