RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) therapy in treating myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the efficacy of MENS was evaluated, with the primary outcome being the reduction in pain on palpation of the masticatory muscles. RESULTS: Four independent comparisons based on three studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 140). In comparison to placebo and other therapies, treatment with MENS showed an improved mean reduction in pain of -0.57 points (CI: -0.91 to -0.23 points, I2 = 83.7%). CONCLUSION: Evidence from this meta-analysis shows that MENS is an effective non-invasive treatment that can be used to reduce pain in patients with myofascial pain of the masticatory muscle; however, the study was limited by the small number of articles relevant to the research question as well as variability between the selected studies.
