Topical application of capsaicin for the treatment of localized pain in the temporomandibular joint area

Aims: To determine the effectiveness of topical capsaicin cream application on localized pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area. Methods: A ra ndomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 30 patien ts suffering from unilateral pain in the TMJ area. Patients were randomly d ivided 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, effe ct 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 pai nful and contralateral joints and maximal mouth opening (assisted/passive a nd non-assisted/active) were examined weekly by the same experienced examin er. Results: Capsaicin cream produced no statistically significant influenc e on measured variables when compared to placebo. Both experimental and pla cebo groups showed statistically significant improvement in most variables during the experiment. Conclusion: The factor of time had a major effect in the non-specific improvement of the parameters assessed. The placebo effec t played an important role in the treatment of patients with pain in the TM J area.