Phase 2
Completed N=79
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD): A Whole Systems Multi-site Trial
Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00856167 ↗
Enrolled (actual)
79
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Oct 2025
Primary outcomePrimary: Characteristic Facial Pain Score — 6.52; 6.55; 5.11; 5.47 units on a scale — p=0.020
Summary
This study sought to evaluate the benefits of different combinations of a Self Care program, involving individually targeted education and support, plus Traditional Chinese Medicine, in terms of patients' experience and outcomes in short-term follow-up (8 weeks, reported here) and long-term follow-up (18-months). The study seeks to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of different patterns of stepped care, which means different levels of care depending on patients' responses at various time-points in the study, which might be used by clinicians treating in the future.
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Characteristic Facial Pain Score |
6.52; 6.55; 5.11; 5.47; 5.34; 5.22 | 0.020 sig |
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- TMD as diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria-TMD by a trained dentist;
- worst facial pain greater than 5 out of 10.
Exclusion Criteria
- prior surgery for TMD;
- life-threatening illnesses;
- conditions that would prevent participation in trial including consumption of Chinese herbs.
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00856167). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication. Informational only — not medical advice.