Comparison of conventional pharmacological therapy and holistic approaches (Naturopathy and Yoga) in the management of chronic orofacial pain: A randomized controlled study

Background: Orofacial pain disorders and their management forms an important and integral part of our oral medicine specialty. Only oral physicians are well-trained to provide non-surgical treatment of these complex disorders. Today, the escalating costs of drugs and several adverse effects associated with modern medicines have led to the search of alternative systems all over the world. Hence, this study is an effort to assess the efficacy of holistic approaches (naturopathy and yoga) alone as well as in combination with pharmacological therapy in the treatment of chronic orofacial pain of non-odontogenic origin. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 patients who were randomized into three groups A, B and C, each group consisting of 20 patients (10 of myofascial pain and 10 of trigeminal neuralgia). In group A it was prescribed conventional medicines for their respective treatment. Holistic approaches (naturopathy and yoga) were added with conventional pharmacological therapy in group B and only holistic approaches were performed in group C. The duration of treatment was of 3 months a and the patients were analysed using pain scale, quality of life scale (QOL) and stress scale after every ten days follow-up. Results: The patients of trigeminal neuralgia showed best result when treated with pharmacological treatment. The holistic approaches showed significant results only when combined with pharmacological therapy for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. On the other hand, holistic approaches works best in myofascial pain both alone and in combination with pharmacological therapy. Acupuncture and facial massage along with yoga have a great impact on quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety of the patient. Conclusion: Holistic approaches are useful means in treating patients with chronic orofacial pain as it eliminates the risk of adverse effects associated with long term use of muscle relaxants and anti-convulsants.