Topical application of capsaicin for the treatment of localized pain in the temporomandibular joint area
Winocur, E.; Gavish, A.; Halachmi, M.; Eli, I.; Gazit, E.
Journal of Orofacial Pain 14(1): 31-36
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1064-6655 PMID: 11203735 Document Number: 517485
To determine the effectiveness of topical capsaicin cream application on localized pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 30 patients suffering from unilateral pain in the TMJ area. Patients were randomly divided into experimental and placebo groups; they were instructed to apply 0.025% capsaicin cream or its vehicle to the painful TMJ area 4 times daily for 4 weeks. Subjective parameters of present pain, most severe pain, effect of pain on daily activities, and pain relief were assessed each week on a visual analog scale. Muscle and joint sensitivity to palpation on the painful and contralateral joints and maximal mouth opening (assisted/passive and non-assisted/active) were examined weekly by the same experienced examiner. Capsaicin cream produced no statistically significant influence on measured variables when compared to placebo. Both experimental and placebo groups showed statistically significant improvement in most variables during the experiment. The factor of time had a major effect in the non-specific improvement of the parameters assessed. The placebo effect played an important role in the treatment of patients with pain in the TMJ area.