Comparing the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy with Ibuprofen in Improving Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome

Introduction Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) can be a consequence of conditions such as temporomandibular disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of diode laser and ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation in patients with MPDS. Methods and materials: In this study, 40 patients with MPDS were randomly divided into two groups. One group received ibuprofen 500 mg two times a day for 3 weeks and had placebo laser sessions. The other group received active laser (diode 810 nm CW) as treatment factor and placebo drug. Pain intensity was measured by visual analog scale and maximum painless mouth opening was also measured as a functional index every session and in a 2-month follow-up. Data were collected and analyzed using independent t test and analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results Low-level laser group showed a significant reduction in pain and a significant increase in mouth opening. In ibuprofen group, neither pain intensity nor maximum mouth opening had significant improvement. Conclusion Treatment with low-level laser improved mouth opening and pain intensity significantly in patients with MPDS. Therefore, low-level laser can be a good treatment modality for these patients.