Clinical evaluation of carboxytherapy for pain reduction and improvement of functional parameters in internal disorders of the temporomandibular joints

Background. Internal disorders and diseases of the temporomandibular joints represent a common pathological condition accompanied by pain syndrome, func- tional impairment, and a reduced quality of life. Standard treatment protocols do not ensure reliable symptom control, creating the need for minimally invasive techniques, particularly carboxytherapy – the para-articular administration of medical carbon dioxide, which induces vasodilation, improves microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, contributing to pain reduction and improved functional parameters. Purpose – to determine and analyse the clinical effectiveness of carboxytherapy as a minimally invasive method for managing pain syndrome in internal disorders of the temporomandibular joints and to evaluate its influence on pain intensity and functional indicators. Materials and Methods. In a prospective clinical study, 42 patients with confirmed internal temporomandibular joint disorders and chronic pain syndrome lasting more than three months were examined. Patients in the main group underwent a five-day course of carboxytherapy, and the results were compared with changes observed in the group that received traditional treatment. Results. Patients were randomised into two groups: the main group (n = 21) received a course of carboxytherapy, and the control group (n = 21) received standard medi- cation therapy. The main group demonstrated a gradual decrease in pain intensity, becoming statistically significant from the 9th day of treatment and remaining stable throughout the three month follow-up. The amplitude of mouth opening gradually increased, reaching significant differences from the 15th day, with an average improvement of +7.7 mm. In the control group, changes were minimal and statistically insignificant. The therapeutic effect of carboxytherapy remained stable throughout the observation period. Conclusions. Carboxytherapy produces significant clinical improvement, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference for pain intensity and the 5-mm threshold for mouth opening, confirming its effectiveness as a treatment method for internal temporomandibular joint disorders.