Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal pain condition affecting the jaw, and acupuncture is often used for treatment, though its neurological mechanisms are unclear. This study investigates the neural mechanisms of acupuncture in TMD using functional MRI (fMRI), structural MRI (sMRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), alongside machine learning to predict treatment outcomes. This study aims to enhance understanding of acupuncture's effects on TMD and improve personalized treatment approaches.
Having a history of pain-related TMD for at least three months;
Aged between 18 and 70 years;
Voluntary participation in the trial with signed informed consent.
Having received occlusal splint, injection therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, or TMD-specific medication (e.g., corticosteroids, benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, muscle relaxants, opioids, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants) for managing facial pain within one month before the screening period;
Having suffered from pain of dental origin, trauma, sinus pathology, neuropathic origin, inflammatory systemic diseases and cancer;
Having a history of rheumatoid arthritis;
Presence of mental illness or substance abuse;