Education and exercises for chronic jaw pain relief

Additional Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education, Motor Imagery and Action Observation in Patients With Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Gran Rosario · NCT05003349

This study is testing if adding education and special exercises to standard treatment can help people with chronic jaw pain feel better and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Gran Rosario Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rosario, Santa Fe)
Trial IDNCT05003349 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education, Motor Imagery, and Action Observation in addition to standard treatments for patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It will involve a double-blinded randomized clinical trial with 50 participants aged 18 to 60 who have been diagnosed with painful TMD. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard treatment with an occlusal splint and exercises, and the other receiving the same treatment plus additional educational and cognitive strategies. The primary outcomes will focus on pain intensity and disability, while secondary outcomes will assess various pain-related factors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 65 with a diagnosis of painful TMD and a history of orofacial pain lasting at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, specific neck pain, or those who have recently undergone dental or physical therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients suffering from chronic TMD.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of these specific interventions is novel, similar approaches in pain management have shown promising results in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of painful TMD using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)
* A history of orofacial pain during at least three months prior to the study
* Age ranging between 18 to 65 years, both genders.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with neurological disorders (neuropathic pain or neurodegenerative disease), whiplash associated disorders, specific neck pain (radicular pain), recent dental or physical therapy. If patients are taking medication to relieve pain during the study, they will be encouraged to report it.

Where this trial is running

Rosario, Santa Fe

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions TMDPain Neuroscience EducationMotor ImageryAction ObservationExercisesOcclusal Splint
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.