Self‐Management Therapies for Temporomandibular Disorders—Evidence From Systematic Reviews

Oct 8, 2025Journal of oral rehabilitation

Self-Management Treatments for Jaw Pain Disorders Based on Review Studies

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Abstract

Of the 11 systematic reviews analyzed, six reported favorable results for strategies in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Chronic pain in the orofacial region affects 10%-15% of the general population, commonly linked to TMD.
Self-management approaches for TMD may include patient education, behavioral therapy, and jaw exercises.
Five systematic reviews found insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of self-management compared to other treatments.
The overlap of primary studies across the reviews was 53%, indicating a lack of unique evidence.
Main evidence gaps were noted in quality of life and adverse effects related to self-management.

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OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain in the orofacial region affects 10%-15% of the general population. It is most often related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD): pain in the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joints. Managing chronic pain conditions requires a biopsychosocial, evidence-based and patient-centred approach. Accordingly, has been advocated for TMD. This umbrella review aimed to evaluate existing evidence in systematic reviews (SRs) on self-management therapy for TMD.

METHODS: The review was carried out in accordance with the PRISMA and PRIOR guidelines, with a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42021276856). PubMed, Scopus, LILACS and the Cochrane Library were searched until December 1st 2023 to identify SRs that evaluated self-management for TMD. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, performed full-text assessments, extracted all data and performed risk of bias assessment with AMSTAR 2.

RESULTS: A total of 1740 studies were identified. After title and abstract screening, 399 studies underwent full-text assessment and 11 SRs comprising 49 unique primary studies were included. Of these, six SRs reported favorable results for self-management for TMD, whereas five reported insufficient evidence either for or against the use of self-management compared to other interventions. The overlap of primary studies between the SRs was 53%, and the main evidence gaps were related to quality of life and adverse effects outcomes. The methodological shortcomings of the SRs primarily stem from insufficient primary-study design criteria or not providing references for excluded studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence generally suggests beneficial effects from self-management strategies such as patient education, behavioural therapy and jaw exercises.

Key numbers

53%

Overlap of Primary Studies

Percentage of primary studies included in more than one systematic review.

6 of 11

Favorable Results from Reviews

Number of systematic reviews reporting beneficial outcomes for therapies.

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Abstract

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