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For chronic headache and migraine sufferers, Botox has emerged as a powerful treatment option. FDA-approved for managing severe migraines, Botox works by relaxing muscles and blocking pain signals, making it a highly effective headache treatment for those who haven’t found relief with traditional methods. Why Botox for Headache Treatment? Botox targets the source of headache pain, offering relief that lasts for months. It’s a low-maintenance solution with minimal downtime, making it a practical choice for those with busy lifestyles. It is a non-invasive treatment and allows you to stop in during your lunch break and find relief. Conclusion If you’re seeking headache treatment that goes beyond temporary relief, consider trigger point injection therapy. Contact us to learn more about how this treatment could help you take control of your migraines.

While CPAP therapy is the most common sleep apnea treatment, it’s not always the best fit for everyone. For patients looking for a more comfortable and convenient solution, oral appliances offer a reliable and travel-friendly alternative. Designed to keep your airway open while you sleep, oral appliances help reduce snoring and prevent breathing interruptions without the hassle of a CPAP machine. Why Choose an Oral Appliance?  Custom-fabricated by the region’s orofacial pain specialist, Dr. Jared Bloxham, oral appliances are easy to wear, lightweight, and can make a significant difference in sleep quality. They’re ideal for those with obstructive sleep apnea or those who struggle with CPAP compliance. Conclusion Looking for a CPAP alternative for sleep apnea treatment? Call us today to learn more about our oral appliance options and experience better, more restful sleep.

Living with TMJ pain can disrupt daily activities, from eating to speaking comfortably. TMJ treatment options offer lasting relief and help prevent long-term damage. Our clinic provides a variety of treatments, including custom-fabricated orthotics, trigger point injections, heat therapy and stress management techniques designed to address the root causes of TMJ pain. As well as multidisciplinary treatment and working with other specialists and providers. Why TMJ Treatment Matters  Untreated TMJ disorders can lead to headaches, neck pain, and bone-on-bone damage. Our TMJ specialist, Dr. Jared Bloxham, works closely with patients to identify the best treatment plan, ensuring that every approach is tailored to their unique needs. Conclusion Don’t let TMJ pain hold you back. Call for a consultation today to explore your options for effective, personalized TMJ treatment.

If you suffer from jaw pain, whether due to TMJ disorders or general discomfort, your diet plays a significant role in managing your symptoms. Certain foods can exacerbate the pain and inflammation, while others may provide relief. In this blog, we’ll discuss the foods to avoid to help ease jaw pain. Foods That Can Make Jaw Pain Worse: Hard Foods: Chewing tough foods like raw vegetables (carrots), nuts, or hard candies can strain your jaw muscles and worsen pain. Opt for softer, cooked veggies and seeds instead. Chewy Foods: Gum, taffy, or even chewy meats like steak require excessive jaw movement, which can increase discomfort. Stick to tender cuts of meat or foods that don’t require extended chewing. Crunchy Snacks: Chips, crackers, and even crispy toast can aggravate jaw pain. If you’re craving something crunchy, try soft snacks like applesauce or yogurt. Large Bites: Big sandwiches or burgers that require opening your mouth wide can stress your jaw. Try cutting your food into smaller pieces or opting for foods you can easily bite into. Caffeine and Sugary Foods: Caffeine and sugar can increase muscle tension and inflammation. If you’re prone to jaw pain, limit your intake of coffee, soda, and candy. What to Eat Instead: Soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, soups, and scrambled eggs are gentle on your jaw. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, and fish rich in omega-3s can also help reduce inflammation and pain. Conclusion: Making mindful food choices is an important part of managing jaw pain. Avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods can prevent unnecessary strain on your jaw and reduce discomfort. Focus on a diet that soothes and supports jaw health to help you feel better sooner.

Sleep apnea is often misunderstood as a condition that affects only older, overweight men. However, this stereotype is far from the truth. Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, genders, and body types. Let’s debunk the myth and discuss why it’s important for everyone to be aware of the signs and risks. Sleep Apnea Can Affect Anyone While obesity and age are risk factors, they are not the only ones. Sleep apnea is a disorder where the airway becomes obstructed during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing. It can occur in: Women: Hormonal changes during menopause can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. Young Adults: Sleep apnea can affect younger individuals, especially if they have a genetic predisposition or a narrow airway. Children: Children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids are at higher risk for sleep apnea, which can impact their growth and behavior. Athletes: Muscular people with larger necks or jaw structures may also be at risk, despite being fit. Why Everyone Should Be Aware Ignoring sleep apnea because you don’t “fit the profile” can lead to serious health consequences. Left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, regardless of your age or weight. Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Loud snoring or choking during sleep Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat Daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating Morning headaches Conclusion Sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate, and it’s essential to recognize the symptoms no matter your demographic. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are struggling with your quality of sleep, talk with your primary care provider and seek a professional evaluation, regardless of age, gender, or body type!

Jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing can be signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. While mild symptoms might be manageable at home, ongoing TMJ issues can significantly impact your quality of life. So, when is it time to see a professional like Dr. Jared Bloxham at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ? Let’s break it down. What is TMJ Pain? The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and helps with everyday functions like speaking, chewing, and yawning. TMJ disorders (TMD) can occur due to injury, arthritis, or stress-related habits like teeth grinding. Signs It’s Time to See a Professional: Persistent Pain: If your jaw pain lasts more than a week, especially if it affects your daily activities. Clicking or Popping Sounds: Frequent popping and clicking sounds, accompanied by pain or discomfort, should be evaluated. Lockjaw or Limited Motion: Difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully is a serious indicator of TMJ issues. Headaches or Ear Pain: TMJ pain often radiates, leading to frequent headaches or pain around the ears without infection. How a Professional Can Help: Dr. Jared Bloxham, a TMJ specialist, can provide a range of treatments, from custom orthotic therapy, injections, referrals to physical therapy, and heat & cold therapy. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage and chronic pain. Conclusion: If you're dealing with persistent TMJ pain or symptoms, don't wait to seek professional help. Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ is equipped and ready to help treat your TMJ pain today!  Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in managing your condition.

For many people, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the go-to treatment for sleep apnea. But what happens when CPAP isn't the right fit? Whether it's due to discomfort or lifestyle needs, an oral sleep appliance can be an effective alternative. Let’s explore how oral appliances, from Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ, work and why they might be a great option for you. What is an Oral Sleep Appliance? An oral sleep appliance is a custom-fitted device worn in the mouth while sleeping. It repositions the jaw to keep the airway open, reducing the likelihood of apnea events or snoring. Unlike CPAP machines, which use continuous airflow, oral appliances rely on structural support to improve airflow naturally. Benefits of an Oral Sleep Appliance: Comfort and Portability: Oral appliances are small, easy to wear, and ideal for traveling. Quiet and Discreet: No masks, hoses, or machine noise. Less Dryness: Many CPAP users complain of dry mouth or nose, a side effect that oral appliances avoid. When to Consider an Oral Sleep Appliance: If you’ve tried CPAP but found it uncomfortable or hard to adjust to. If you’re a frequent traveler or have trouble maintaining CPAP therapy during trips. If you have no desire to attempt to use a CPAP. Conclusion For those struggling with CPAP, oral sleep appliances offer a comfortable, effective alternative. Call Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ at 509-578-5770 and see how we can help you. Dr. Jared Bloxham is the region’s orofacial pain specialist and is trained to specifically provide custom-fabricated oral appliances to treat sleep related breathing disorders and sleep apnea.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition that can lead to severe dental and orofacial issues if left untreated. This blog will delve into the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for bruxism. What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep. It can lead to headaches, jaw pain, tooth damage, and even TMJ disorders. Common Causes of Bruxism: Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress is a major contributor to bruxism. Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can increase the risk of teeth grinding. Medications: Certain antidepressants and stimulants may induce bruxism as a side effect. Lifestyle Factors: Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can exacerbate teeth grinding. Symptoms to Watch For: Worn, chipped, or cracked teeth Jaw pain or stiffness Headaches, especially upon waking Increased tooth sensitivity Earache without an ear infection Effective Treatments for Bruxism: Mouthguards: Custom-fitted mouthguards can protect your teeth while you sleep. Stress Management: Reducing stress through therapy, meditation, or exercise can decrease bruxism. Behavioral Therapies: Learning to position your jaw correctly during the day can reduce nighttime grinding. Medication: In some cases, muscle relaxants or Botox may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. When to Seek Help: If you're experiencing any symptoms of bruxism, it's important to see a dentist or orofacial pain specialist. Early intervention can prevent further damage and provide relief. Conclusion: Bruxism is a treatable condition, but it requires prompt attention. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen—explore your treatment options today.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are a common treatment for sleep apnea, but they don't work for everyone. In this blog, we'll explore alternative treatments for sleep apnea that might be a better fit for your lifestyle and needs. Why CPAP May Not Work for Everyone CPAP devices can be uncomfortable, noisy, or difficult to adjust to, leading some patients to abandon treatment. If you're struggling with CPAP, you're not alone—many people find it challenging to use consistently. Alternative Treatment Options: - Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-made devices that reposition your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep. You can get a custom fabricated oral appliance at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea & TMJ. Dr Bloxham and his team are equipped to help you! - Positional Therapy: Techniques and devices that encourage you to sleep in a position that prevents airway blockage. - Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms. - Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options like UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) or Inspire therapy (a device implanted to stimulate airway muscles) may be considered. When to Consider a CPAP Alternative If you're experiencing discomfort, dryness, nasal congestion, or simple annoyance from your CPAP device, or if you're simply not seeing the results you expected, it might be time to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor. Conclusion Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but CPAP isn't the only solution. Explore other treatment options with your healthcare provider to find what works best for you. Come talk with us at Columbia Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ to find the best solution for you! Call us today at 509-578-5770!