Comparison of NSAID therapy alone versus combined NSAID and home exercise therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and arthralgia
CRANIO-THE JOURNAL OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR & SLEEP PRACTICE, vol.44, no.3, pp.581-589, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 44 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/08869634.2025.2571830
- Journal Name: CRANIO-THE JOURNAL OF CRANIOMANDIBULAR & SLEEP PRACTICE
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Page Numbers: pp.581-589
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objective: To compare nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy alone with NSAID plus home exercise in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis and arthralgia. Methods: Sixty patients received Tenoxicam 20 mg/day alone (Group 1) or with home exercise (Group 2). Outcomes were mandibular range of motion (RoM), pain (VAS), and TMD-related quality of life (TMD-QoL). Results: Group 2 showed greater MMO increase (+3.9 mm, p < .005) than Group 1 (+0.7 mm, p > .05). VAS decreased similarly in both groups (p < .005; between-group p > .05). TMD-QoL improved more in Group 2 (p < .05). Conclusion: NSAID plus exercise yields superior functional and QoL benefits versus NSAID alone, with comparable pain relief.