Topical Capsaicin Versus Diclofenac for Chronic Temporomandibular Joint-Related Pain

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness and safety of topical capsaicin cream and topical diclofenac gel in women with chronic temporomandibular joint-related pain. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does topical capsaicin reduce pain intensity more effectively than topical diclofenac? * Do the treatments improve jaw function, pressure pain threshold, and neuropathic pain symptoms? Researchers will compare topical capsaicin cream with topical diclofenac gel to evaluate differences in pain relief and functional improvement. Participants will: * Apply the assigned topical medication four times daily for 7 days * Attend clinical examinations and pain assessments at baseline, Day 8, and Month 1 * Complete pain-related questionnaires and functional jaw measurements during follow-up visits

Timeline

Start

2025-08-28

Primary completion

2026-04-06

Completion

2026-04-06

Publications

• Background Mena M, Dalbah L, Levi L, Padilla M, Enciso R. Efficacy of topical interventions for temporomandibular disorders compared to placebo or control therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2020 Dec;20(6):337-356. doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2020.20.6.337. Epub 2020 Dec 28.
• Background Haanpaa M, Treede RD. Capsaicin for neuropathic pain: linking traditional medicine and molecular biology. Eur Neurol. 2012;68(5):264-75. doi: 10.1159/000339944. Epub 2012 Sep 28.
• Background Klinge SA, Sawyer GA. Effectiveness and safety of topical versus oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a comprehensive review. Phys Sportsmed. 2013 May;41(2):64-74. doi: 10.3810/psm.2013.05.2016.
• Background Alomar X, Medrano J, Cabratosa J, Clavero JA, Lorente M, Serra I, Monill JM, Salvador A. Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2007 Jun;28(3):170-83. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2007.02.002.
• Background Gan TJ. Diclofenac: an update on its mechanism of action and safety profile. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010 Jul;26(7):1715-31. doi: 10.1185/03007995.2010.486301.
• Background Craft RM, Mogil JS, Aloisi AM. Sex differences in pain and analgesia: the role of gonadal hormones. Eur J Pain. 2004 Oct;8(5):397-411. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2004.01.003.
• Background Harper DE, Schrepf A, Clauw DJ. Pain Mechanisms and Centralized Pain in Temporomandibular Disorders. J Dent Res. 2016 Sep;95(10):1102-8. doi: 10.1177/0022034516657070. Epub 2016 Jun 28.
• Background Busse JW, Casassus R, Carrasco-Labra A, Durham J, Mock D, Zakrzewska JM, Palmer C, Samer CF, Coen M, Guevremont B, Hoppe T, Guyatt GH, Crandon HN, Yao L, Sadeghirad B, Vandvik PO, Siemieniuk RAC, Lytvyn L, Hunskaar BS, Agoritsas T. Management of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ. 2023 Dec 15;383:e076227. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076227.

Drugs

Indications