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Aims: Despite many reports about complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) use in the general population, little information
exists about specific CAM therapies used for particular health conditions.
This study examines the use of CAM therapies among
patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: We
surveyed 192 patients with documented TMD as part of a larger
project on the effectiveness of various CAM modalities for TMD
patients. The survey asked about use of and attitudes toward specific
CAM therapies for treating TMD and other patient-identified
health conditions. The survey also measured physical health,
health behavior, and psychosocial functioning. Results: Nearly
two thirds of the respondents (62.5%; n = 120) reported using
CAM therapies for TMD or a related condition. Of all the therapies
reported, massage was rated as the most frequent and among
the most satisfactory and helpful. In general, respondents who
used CAM for their TMD reported being most satisfied with the
“hands on” CAM therapies (massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic
care). The vast majority of respondents reported using CAM
approaches for TMD simultaneously with conventional care
(95.6%; 66 of 69). Those using CAM for TMD tended to be
older, had a history of multiple medical problems, and reported
more positive psychologic functioning. Respondents who most
often reported CAM treatment as “very helpful” for their TMD
were likely to be healthier (ie, reporting higher levels of exercise
and fewer sleep disturbances). Conclusion: Given the frequent use
of CAM treatments by our respondents, allopathic providers
should inquire about the adjunctive use of CAM among their
TMD patients. J OROFAC PAIN 2003;17:224–236.
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