Topical Capsaicin Versus Diclofenac for Chronic Temporomandibular Joint-Related Pain (NCT07598994) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Topical Capsaicin Versus Diclofenac for Chronic Temporomandibular Joint-Related Pain
Turkey (Türkiye)50 participantsStarted 2025-04-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness and safety of topical capsaicin cream and topical diclofenac gel in women with chronic temporomandibular joint-related pain. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does topical capsaicin reduce pain intensity more effectively than topical diclofenac?
* Do the treatments improve jaw function, pressure pain threshold, and neuropathic pain symptoms?
Researchers will compare topical capsaicin cream with topical diclofenac gel to evaluate differences in pain relief and functional improvement.
Participants will:
* Apply the assigned topical medication four times daily for 7 days
* Attend clinical examinations and pain assessments at baseline, Day 8, and Month 1
* Complete pain-related questionnaires and functional jaw measurements during follow-up visits
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Female participants aged between 18 and 65 years
* Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related pain
* Presence of pain for at least 3 months
* Baseline pain intensity sufficient to require treatment
* Willingness to comply with study procedures and follow-up visits
* Signed informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* History of allergy or hypersensitivity to capsaicin or diclofenac
* Presence of systemic inflammatory or neurological disease
* Use of systemic analgesics, corticosteroids, or muscle relaxants during the study period
* Active skin lesions or dermatologic disease in the application area
* Previous temporomandibular joint surgery
* Participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days
* Inability to comply with study procedures
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)