The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which pain reduction can be achieved by applying a new conservative treatment approach (from a neurological and dental perspective) for jaw and facial pain. 42 pain patients presented at the maxillofacial outpatient clinic after an unsuccessful search for a dental focus. The criteria were jaw and facial pain.
Of these, 25 patients had previously undergone inpatient neurological assessment due to pain exacerbation. The patients were also categorized according to whether they were receiving neuroleptics. All patients were treated in the MKG according to the same protocol. All patients received a total of 2 questionnaires. One before therapy and the second after 6 weeks of wearing the splint.
At the 1st session, the patient undergoes an osteopathic screening; the 1st session also includes a detailed anamnesis. During the 2nd session, osteopathic treatment is carried out while the bite is contactless using cotton rolls. The two main influences on the position of the temporomandibular joint are manipulated: the occlusion by means of cotton rolls and the osteopathic treatment of the masticatory muscles in particular. The bite is then taken directly without any manipulation. In the 3rd session, the osteopathic treatment is carried out first and then the splint is inserted. The patients had to wear the splint permanently for 6 weeks (except for food intake) for neuromuscular adaptation. The patients received physiotherapy during this phase. 6 weeks after wearing the splint, the patients were called in for the 1st splint check after osteopathic treatment. The 2nd questionnaire was now completed by the patients.
The results: Eleven patients wore the splint at night and hourly during the day.
The patients described relaxed masticatory muscles in the morning. The intensity of pain and the initial symptoms were reduced, but were still present. Of the 31 patients who adhered to the intensive wearing mode of the splint, 22 patients were free of symptoms and complaints. In the remaining 9 patients, the symptoms and complaints were still present, but were described as significantly reduced.
Conclusion: Based on the 42 patients treated, it can be concluded that the therapeutic approach is promising for the treatment of jaw and facial pain.