Digital illustration representing TMJ pain relief.

TMJ Pain Relief: Exploring the Best Non-Surgical Treatments for Jaw Issues

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Find out if arthrocentesis with methylprednisolone, sodium hyaluronate, or tenoxicam injections can relieve non-reducing disc displacement"

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause significant pain and discomfort, affecting daily activities such as eating and speaking. Arthrocentesis, a minimally invasive procedure involving the lavage (flushing) of the joint space, has emerged as a popular treatment option for TMJ issues. It helps reduce inflammation, remove debris, and improve joint mobility.

Following arthrocentesis, various intra-articular drug injections can be administered to enhance the therapeutic effects. Common injectables include corticosteroids, sodium hyaluronate (SH), and tenoxicam. While these substances aim to further reduce pain and inflammation, their comparative effectiveness remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.

This article delves into a clinical study comparing the effects of methylprednisolone acetate, sodium hyaluronate, and tenoxicam injections following arthrocentesis in patients with non-reducing disc displacement of the TMJ. By examining the clinical and radiological outcomes, we aim to provide insights into the optimal non-surgical treatment strategies for TMJ disorders.

Understanding the Study: Comparing Injection Therapies for TMJ Pain

Digital illustration representing TMJ pain relief.

A clinical study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different injection therapies following arthrocentesis in patients with non-reducing disc displacement of the TMJ. Forty-four patients diagnosed with this condition were randomly divided into four treatment groups:

The treatment groups were as follows:

Group 1: Arthrocentesis alone
Group 2: Arthrocentesis plus methylprednisolone acetate injection
Group 3: Arthrocentesis plus sodium hyaluronate injection
Group 4: Arthrocentesis plus tenoxicam injection

Researchers measured maximum mouth opening (MMO), lateral movement, pain severity, and tenderness of the TMJ and muscles of mastication before treatment and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate disc position, disc reduction, effusion levels, joint movement, and joint space before treatment and 6 months after treatment.

Key Takeaways: Finding the Right Approach for TMJ Relief

The study suggests that arthrocentesis alone or in combination with methylprednisolone acetate, sodium hyaluronate, or tenoxicam injections are similarly effective in treating TMJ with non-reducing disc displacement. Given the complexity of TMJ disorders, comprehensive and long-term clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to provide definitive recommendations for the best method of treatment.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4317/medoral.22237, Alternate LINK

Title: A Comparison Of The Effects Of Methylprednisolone Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate And Tenoxicam In The Treatment Of Non-Reducing Disc Displacement Of The Temporomandibular Joint

Subject: General Dentistry

Journal: Medicina Oral Patología Oral y Cirugia Bucal

Publisher: Medicina Oral, S.L.

Authors: G. Yapici-Yavuz, G. Simsek-Kaya, H Ogul

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is arthrocentesis, and how does it help with TMJ disorders?

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves flushing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) space. It is used to reduce inflammation, remove debris, and improve joint mobility, making it a popular treatment option for TMJ issues. This procedure provides initial relief by cleaning the joint and setting the stage for further treatments.

What are the different injection therapies used after arthrocentesis for TMJ pain, and what do they do?

Following arthrocentesis, various intra-articular drug injections can be administered. These include methylprednisolone acetate, sodium hyaluronate (SH), and tenoxicam. These substances aim to further reduce pain and inflammation within the TMJ. Methylprednisolone acetate is a corticosteroid, while sodium hyaluronate is a lubricant, and tenoxicam is an anti-inflammatory drug, each addressing different aspects of TMJ discomfort.

How was the effectiveness of different TMJ treatments evaluated in the clinical study mentioned?

The clinical study compared the effects of methylprednisolone acetate, sodium hyaluronate, and tenoxicam injections following arthrocentesis in patients with non-reducing disc displacement of the TMJ. Researchers measured maximum mouth opening (MMO), lateral movement, pain severity, and tenderness of the TMJ and muscles of mastication before treatment and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate disc position, disc reduction, effusion levels, joint movement, and joint space before treatment and 6 months after treatment.

What were the treatment groups in the study, and what did each group receive?

The study divided patients into four groups. Group 1 received arthrocentesis alone. Group 2 received arthrocentesis plus methylprednisolone acetate injection. Group 3 received arthrocentesis plus sodium hyaluronate injection. Group 4 received arthrocentesis plus tenoxicam injection. This structure allowed researchers to compare the effectiveness of arthrocentesis with and without the addition of these specific injectables.

What are the key takeaways from the study regarding the best approach for TMJ relief?

The study suggests that arthrocentesis alone or in combination with methylprednisolone acetate, sodium hyaluronate, or tenoxicam injections are similarly effective in treating TMJ with non-reducing disc displacement. However, the study emphasizes that comprehensive and long-term clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to provide definitive recommendations for the best method of treatment for TMJ disorders due to their complexity. The results suggest that multiple treatment options may provide similar relief, underscoring the need for personalized treatment plans.