Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder Management with Integrative Medicine Practices

Abstract

The temporal mandibular joint is an essential structure of the body frequently used within a day, thereby having a crucial role in a person’s quality of life. Temporal mandibular joint disorders (TMD) are degenerative musculoskeletal disorders affecting a significant proportion of the population with a rising incidence. This disorder primarily affects young individuals and is more prevalent in women. The etiology of TMD is believed to be multifactorial, and there are many factors about TMD that have not been elicited. The uncertainty of its cause makes it difficult to be diagnosed or treated. For that reason, it is crucial to attempt other forms of treatment other than the existing conventional one to improve symptoms or entirely treat these disorders. This review paper analyzes the use of some integrative medicine practices, more specifically acupuncture and chiropractic, in treating TMD symptoms and future directions to establish their efficacy which could help in promoting their usage.