Dry Needling Vs Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Management of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome

NCT ID: NCT06583915

Last Updated: 2024-09-04

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 26 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-12-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-08-31

Brief Summary

Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the most common form of temporomandibular disorders. Because of the multifactorial nature of the problem, its management is still not definite. This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over dry needling for management of such condition.

Detailed Description

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a prevalent affliction among individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain issues. This condition is characterized by pain originating from the muscle and surrounding fascia. Patients typically exhibit localized pain in a confined region or referred pain with diverse patterns.

Additionally, physical examinations may reveal trigger points on the affected muscles. MPS can be categorized into acute and chronic forms. Acute MPS often resolves spontaneously or with uncomplicated treatments. However, chronic MPS typically has a poorer prognosis, and symptoms may persist for six months or more.

Dry needling involves the insertion of a solid filiform needle into a trigger point without the administration of any substance. Various theories have been put forth to explain the mechanisms by which dry needling alleviates pain . These include the "gate control" theory, modulation of endogenous opioids such as B-endorphin, encephalins, and dynorphins, disruption of central sensitization through activation of Aβ fibers resulting in inhibition of synaptic transmission between Aβ and C fibers and cells of the spinal cord dorsal horn due to their slower impulse conduction, and even placebo effects have been suggested . When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it may elicit a local twitch response. This reflexive contraction of the trigger point can also facilitate physiological changes, including the reduction of spontaneous electrical activity and the concentration of inflammatory and nociceptive chemicals, ultimately resulting in the relaxation of the trigger point.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is considered to be a highly secure and cost-effective modality for managing both chronic and acute pain. As per the gate control theory, TENS employs low voltage electrical pulses that are applied to the central nervous system. The modulation of pain perception induced by TENS is attributed to the recruitment of Aβ afferent fibers in the posterior horn of the spinal cord, which prevents the activation of pain conducted in thin fiber. Electrical stimulation effectively inhibits the transmission of painful impulses through the spinal cord and stimulates the release of endogenous opioids by the brain. Its safe, noninvasive, inexpensive and effective method of providing analgesia with reduced potential adverse effects compared to other treatment modalities.

In this research, we aim to evaluate TENS is a suitable treatment for MPDS patients, which would eliminate the need for another treatment modality. The expected benefit in this study is to find the best treatment for MPDS reducing pain, muscle stiffness and limited mouth opening.

Conditions

Myofascial Pain - Dysfunction Syndrome of TMJ

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Low voltage electrical pulses that are applied to the central nervous system

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

TENS

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Non-pharmacological method which is widely used by medical and paramedical professionals for the management of acute and chronic pain using electric pulse generator, lead wires and electrodes.

Dry Needling

insertion of a solid filiform needle into a trigger point without the administration of any substance

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Dry Needle

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Invasive procedure where a fine needle or acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle.

Interventions

TENS

Non-pharmacological method which is widely used by medical and paramedical professionals for the management of acute and chronic pain using electric pulse generator, lead wires and electrodes.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Dry Needle

Invasive procedure where a fine needle or acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle.

Intervention Type: PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Patients complaining of pain in muscles of mastication lasting for three months or more.

2. Presence of trigger points in the temporalis, masseter or lateral pterygoid muscle identified by clinical examination and palpation.

3. Average pain severity of at least 4 on a 10-point scale

4. Pain in pre-auricular area, or in the ear during rest or function

Exclusion Criteria

1. No previous tempro-mandibular joint (TMJ) surgical intervention

2. Patients with neurological disorders, coagulopathy, vascular disease autoimmune disease (systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), fibromyalgia

3. Pregnancy

4. Current opioid use

5. Intake of analgesics, muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAID's and benzodiazepines,

6. Patients with severe trauma or infections in TMJ

7. Tempro-mandibular dysfunction (TMD) with joint origin (any type of internal derangement)

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Cairo University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Amina amr sayed mohamed salama

Master Degree Student, Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Mostafa ElGengehy, PhD

Role: STUDY_CHAIR

Professor, Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery

Central Contacts

Mostafa ElGengehy, PhD

Role: CONTACT

mostafa.elgengehe@dentistry.cu.edu.eg

+201221089223

Other Identifiers

OMFS333

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id