
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, headaches, or popping and clicking in your jaw, you might be one of many patients experiencing TMJ pain or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Dr. Bloxham and our experienced team specialize in providing conservative TMJ treatment options to help you find long-term relief—without surgery or invasive procedures.
Whether you’re in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, or one of the surrounding areas, there’s no need to live with chronic jaw discomfort. Let’s explore the non-invasive solutions available right here in Tri-Cities Washington and the surrounding area.
What Is TMJ or TMD?
Your TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull—acting like a sliding hinge to help you speak, chew, and yawn. When something goes wrong with this joint, it can lead to TMD, a condition that causes a variety of painful and disruptive symptoms, including:
- Jaw soreness or stiffness
- Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
- Frequent headaches or facial pain
- Earaches or ringing in the ears
- Limited jaw movement or locking
If you’re experiencing any of these, it might be time to consider TMJ treatment.
Conservative TMJ Treatment Options
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, Dr. Bloxham focuses on conservative, evidence-based approaches tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Here are the most effective non-surgical methods we recommend:
1. Custom Oral Appliances
One of the most effective tools for TMJ pain relief, custom oral appliances (also known as splints or nightguards) help reduce teeth grinding and alleviate pressure on the jaw joint. Dr. Bloxham designs each appliance to fit comfortably and support proper jaw alignment.
2. Physical Therapy & Jaw Exercises
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can dramatically reduce pain and improve jaw function over time.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Changes such as avoiding chewy or hard foods, correcting posture, and minimizing jaw overuse can make a big impact on TMD symptoms.
4. Stress Management
Because stress often leads to clenching or grinding, techniques like mindfulness, relaxation breathing, or biofeedback can help decrease muscle tension in the jaw.
5. Heat and Ice Therapy
Alternating warm compresses with cold packs can help calm inflammation and soothe sore muscles around the TMJ.
6. Targeted Medications
While not a first-line treatment, short-term use of anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may be appropriate in some cases—always under the guidance of a specialist like Dr. Bloxham.
Local TMJ Experts Serving Tri-Cities Washington and the Surrounding Area
Finding TMJ pain relief doesn’t mean you have to travel far. At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ, we proudly serve patients from across Tri-Cities Washington and the surrounding region. Our approach is centered on personalized, conservative care that gets to the root of your pain—without surgery or unnecessary treatments.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Relief?
Don’t let TMD or TMJ pain hold you back from enjoying your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bloxham at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ to explore your conservative treatment options today.
📍 Conveniently located in Richland, WA, and proudly serving Tri-Cities Washington and the surrounding area.
📞 Call us to book your appointment now.
509-581-4456









