An exploration of the changes in signs and symptoms associated with sleep bruxism that follow osteopathic manual therapy : a pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep bruxism occurs in 8 to 20% of the population and can result in jaw and head pain, tooth destruction and diminished quality of sleep for bruxers and their partners. OBJECTIVE: To explore whether osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) could alter bruxing activity, pain and psychological wellbeing in self‐diagnosed sleep bruxers. METHODS: Six sleep‐bruxing participants received four weekly osteopathic treatments. Electromyographic activity of bruxing and head and jaw pain, via the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), were monitored for a pre-treatment period, after each treatment and for a follow‐up period. The 21 Question Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) was assessed at study onset and conclusion. RESULTS: Six participants showed clinically significant decreases in NRS score from pre‐treatment to immediately following the third treatment. Group changes approached statistical significance from pre‐to post‐treatment despite a reduced sample size. (Effect Size = ‐0.71; P = 0.06). Five participants experienced a reduction of one or more DASS21 severity ratings for stress by the end of the study. Bruxing activity showed a trend towards improvement in two participants and increased in one participant. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that osteopathic treatment may help sleep bruxers by reducing their perceived pain and stress levels. The results are inconclusive as to the effectiveness of OMT for reducing nocturnal bruxing activity. Additional controlled studies with more detailed inclusion criteria and higher numbers of participants are suggested.