Study of Occlusal Splint and Botox Injections on Head and Neck Muscles in Adults with Myofascial Pain Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of occlusal splint therapy and botulinum toxin type A BTX-A injections on the muscle activity of the head and neck in adults diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome MPS. This condition often involves pain in the jaw and neck muscles and is a common type of temporomandibular disorder. The study aims to understand how these treatments alone or combined affect muscle function and to help develop better treatment strategies for MPS. The study will include 56 adult participants who will be randomly assigned to one of four groups BTX-A injections only, occlusal splint therapy only, combined BTX-A and splint therapy, or no treatment control group. BTX-A will be injected into the masseter muscles at three standardized points on each side by a neurologist, while occlusal splints will be custom-made for participants to wear during sleep. Muscle activity will be recorded using surface electromyography EMG before treatment and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Participants will complete questionnaires about their symptoms and pain levels at each visit. EMG will measure the activity of several muscles, including the masseter, temporalis, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, and trapezius. The study will monitor changes in muscle function and pain over 12 weeks. All procedures are supervised by professionals to ensure safety, and statistical analysis will compare the effects among the different groups to assess the treatments impact on muscle activity and symptoms.

EMG-Based Evaluation of Occlusal Splint and Masseter Botox Effects on Head and Neck Muscles