While it may affect people of all ages, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain increases with wear and tear due to old age. Studies have shown that TMJ disorders peak when people reach 45-64 years of age

Often, this condition deteriorates the affected joints and muscles when left untreated. Sensory impairments among seniors typically lead to miscommunicating their TMJ symptoms, resulting in misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment.

As such, a comprehensive approach is key to avoiding further health complications. At MVMT Sports Chiropractic, we specialise in treating TMJ disorders (TMD), especially those affecting older adults. Our approach combines advanced chiropractic care with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by seniors, which ensures effective and personalised care. 

Explore treatment options before TMJ disorders diminish your quality of life. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding TMJ Pain in Seniors

Similar to other joints, TMJs degenerate with age. To fully comprehend this, TMJs are two joints connecting your lower jaw to your skull. These move in coordination, allowing you to chew, speak, yawn or swallow. 

However, these joints’ decline in function may result in TMJ discomfort among seniors. Jaw pain is often the most noticeable symptom, ranging from mild to severe discomfort. Worse, this pain may span the surrounding areas, such as your ears, face, neck, and head.

Affected individuals may also experience limited jaw movement, resulting in difficulty chewing, talking or moving the jaw freely. But how can seniors develop this condition? Here are some causes of TMJ pain in older adults:

  • Age-related wear and tear: Cartilage and other tissues in the TMJ can become worn out due to frequent use over time, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which may worsen with age, typically affect jaw joints, causing inflammation and pain. 
  • Dental Issues: Older adults often experience dental issues due to existing oral conditions, poor habits or injuries. Misaligned teeth, missing teeth, or poorly fitted dental appliances contribute to TMJ problems. 
  • Poor posture: Improper neck posture, often observed due to age-related anatomical changes, strains the jaw joints and muscles. 
  • Stress and anxiety: Older adults dealing with excessive stressors contribute to emotional factors that may exacerbate TMJ symptoms. 

Special Considerations for TMJ Treatment in Seniors

As people age, the jaw joints, tissues and muscles undergo several changes, making you susceptible to TMJ disorders. Hence, special considerations are in place to reduce treatment complications among older adults with TMJ dysfunction.

Age-Related Factors

Aging brings significant changes in the body, particularly in the jaw and surrounding areas. Over time, muscles tend to lose their strength and flexibility. This results in weakened tugging of the jaw bones, which may contribute to TMJ problems

But why do muscles become frail? Often due to weak bones supporting your muscles. These bones typically become less dense and brittle as we age. And with weakened jaw bones, this complicates treatment and may require a gentler approach. 

Chronic Health Conditions

TMJ dysfunctions are often associated with other chronic health conditions. According to the 2020 National Academy of Medicine report on TMJ, other comorbidities co-exist with TMD, such as:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Sleep disorders

Conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis increase the risks of jaw inflammation and fractures, which make treatment more challenging. In some adults with diabetes, this condition affects blood flow and healing, which potentially complicates TMJ treatment

Considering these underlying conditions is crucial to prevent further complications. A holistic approach involving medical experts and allied professionals is ideal for effectively managing TMD and other chronic conditions.

Medication Management

Seniors often take multiple medicines to manage various health conditions. Known as polypharmacy, it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions between TMJ treatments and other medications. 

Carefully consider the potential drug interactions for TMJ medications, such as:

  • Pain medication: This includes NSAIDs and acetaminophen, often relieving jaw pain and inflammation but can interact with other medications. Opioids as pain relievers for TMJ problems are less ideal as they contribute to cognitive impairment among adults.
  • Muscle relaxants: Medications for TMJ disorders like benzodiazepines and other muscle relaxants may increase cognitive impairment among seniors.
  • Antidepressants: The use of tricyclic antidepressants for TMJ pain often results in dizziness, severe drowsiness or fever among the elderly. 

Medications sometimes affect TMJ treatment. For example, when undergoing dental procedures for senior jaw pain, blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding. 

Informing your medical provider about all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, is necessary to minimise risks. Doing so helps manage TMJ treatment for the elderly safely and effectively.

Effective TMJ Treatment Options for Seniors

Given the delicate health of seniors, opting for a non-invasive, safer approach is crucial to manage and treat TMJ disorders effectively. Here are some options stored for you:

Non-invasive Treatments

As the leading chiropractic provider in Sydney, MVMT Sports Chiropractor offers a wide range of non-invasive treatments that can effectively manage TMJ pain in seniors. These include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Our highly experienced chiropractors use gentle, targeted adjustments to realign your jaw joints, muscles, and surrounding structures. This helps reduce muscle tension and improve joint function without risks for seniors.
  • Physical Therapy: We designed generally safe exercises and techniques to strengthen your muscles around the jaw, improve mobility and reduce pain.
  • Jaw Exercises: We have highly skilled therapists to teach you specific exercises to relax jaw muscles and improve ranges of motion. This is crucial to hone your ability to self-manage symptoms in the long term.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes, in addition to professional treatments, can help you manage TMJ pain. The top one is avoiding chewy, hard, or sticky food that strains your jaw. Opt for softer foods while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet to help you recover from TMJ dysfunction.

Next on the list is maintaining good posture to alleviate strains on the jaw and neck. You can improve your posture using ergonomic supports at home or in workspaces. 

In addition, reducing chronic stress is beneficial for alleviating TMJ symptoms. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are senior-friendly and can lower tension in the jaw and body.

Pain Management

To relieve TMJ pain relief immediately, here are some safe pain management strategies:

  • Cold or hot therapy: To reduce TMJ pain and discomfort, you can apply hot or cold packs to the inflamed or swelling areas. 
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Best when consulted with medical providers, seeking for these provide temporary relief from pain.
  • Relaxation techniques: Massaging the jaw areas or incorporating routine jaw exercises helps reduce muscle clenching.

By combining professional care with healthy lifestyle changes and safe pain management techniques, seniors can effectively manage their TMJ pain. Seeking timely treatment is crucial to finding lasting relief and improving overall well-being.

Don’t let TMJ pain hold you back. Schedule a consultation with MVMT Sports Chiropractic to discuss  TMJ treatment options. We have a proven track record of providing personalised care and effective solutions to your TMJ problems.