
Waking Up with Jaw Pain? Here’s What It Could Mean:
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my jaw hurt when I wake up?”, you’re not alone.
Many people in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and surrounding areas wake up with jaw discomfort, facial tension, or headaches without knowing the cause. Morning jaw pain can be more than just an inconvenience—it may be a sign of an underlying issue like TMJ disorder, teeth grinding (bruxism), sleep related breathing disorder, or sleep apnea.
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, we specialize in getting to and treating the root causes of morning jaw pain to help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
Common Causes of Morning Jaw Pain
Several factors can contribute to jaw pain upon waking, including:
🔹 Teeth Grinding & Clenching (Bruxism): Many people grind or clench their teeth unconsciously during sleep, leading to muscle tension and jaw pain.
🔹 TMJ Disorder (TMD): Dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause stiffness, discomfort, and clicking in the jaw.
🔹 Sleep Apnea & other sleep related breathing disorders: When the airway is blocked during sleep, the jaw may shift forward in an attempt to keep airways open, leading to strain on the TMJ.
🔹 Misaligned Bite: Poor alignment of the teeth and jaw can lead to uneven pressure and morning discomfort.
🔹 Stress & Muscle Tension: High stress levels can contribute to unconscious clenching and increased jaw tightness overnight.
Signs Your Jaw Pain May Be a TMJ Disorder
If your jaw pain is persistent, it may be linked to TMJ dysfunction, which can cause:
✔ Jaw clicking or popping
✔ Headaches or migraines, especially in the morning
✔ Facial pain or tension
✔ Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
✔ Earaches or ringing in the ears
If you experience these symptoms, seeking treatment from a TMJ specialist near you is the best way to find relief.
How Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ Can Help
At Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, we provide customized, non-invasive treatments to relieve morning jaw pain and improve your quality of life. Our services include:
🔹 Custom Oral Appliances: Designed to support proper jaw positioning.
🔹 TMJ Therapy & Myofascial Pain Treatments: Targeted treatments to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
🔹 Sleep Apnea Evaluations & Treatment: Ensuring your airway remains open for better sleep and reduced strain on the jaw.
Find Relief from Morning Jaw Pain Today
You don’t have to live with chronic morning jaw pain. If you’re in Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, or surrounding areas, Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ is here to help. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free morning.
📍 Serving Richland, Kennewick, Pasco & Eastern WA
🌐 www.columbiatmjandpain.com
📞 509-581-4456









