Effects of a Multimodal Intervention Combining Cranio-Cervicomyofascial Release, Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation, and Exercise on Pain, Oral Function, Oral Health–Related Quality of Life, and Headache in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pain intensity
Overview
Brief Summary
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect 5–12% of the population and are a leading cause of chronic orofacial pain, impaired jaw function, and reduced oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). TMD is often associated with cervicogenic headache, neck dysfunction, and psychosocial distress, making management complex.
Conservative treatments, including manual therapy, exercise, and behavioral interventions, are recommended as first-line care. However, emerging therapies such as cranio-cervicomyofascial release (CCMR) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) show promise for pain modulation, autonomic regulation, and functional recovery.
To date, no study has examined the combined effects of CCMR, taVNS, and exercise as a multimodal intervention for TMD. This study addresses that gap by testing an integrated approach targeting musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional components of TMD.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Coin toss, Lottery, toss of dice, shuffling cards etc
- Masking
- Participant and Investigator Blinded
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18.00 Year(s) to 60.00 Year(s) (—)
- Sex
- All
Inclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosed with TMD per TMD criteria.
- •Reported pain for more than 3 months.
- •Willingness to attend all treatment sessions.
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of major jaw surgery, fractures, or inflammatory joint disease any Neurological disorders contraindicating vagus nerve stimulation and Pregnancy or other medical contraindications.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pain intensity
Time Frame: Baseline, Post, 3 months
Secondary Outcomes
- Oral function, OHRQoL, OHRQoL, Headache severity/frequency(Baseline, Post, 3 months)
Investigators
Dr Ramesh Chandra Patra
Lovely Professional University Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences