Temporomandibular Disorders Treatments and Its Effects on Headaches

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objective: temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are the most common causes of chronic orofacial pain and, along with primary headaches, are considered Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPCs). The aim of this study is to evaluate TMD treatment effects in individuals with comorbid headaches. Methods: a systematic review was conducted over a search in the database up to October 2020. Selected studies were randomized clinical trials with individuals diagnosed with TMD and comorbid headaches compared to a control group after treatments for TMD. All included studies were evaluated for their methodological quality through the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias. Results: seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were applied in the review, with a total of 432 participants. Four studies were included in a meta-analysis. There was no significative mean difference in the frequency of headache after TMD treatment, nor for a reduction in pain, after TMD intervention for less than 12 weeks. Although for an individual with a TMD intervention period higher than 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in pain. Conclusion: there is moderate evidence that painful TMD therapies for 12 weeks or higher reduce headache intensity in individuals with painful TMD and headaches. Simultaneous management of TMD and headache must be prioritized for more effective results on both conditions.