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Real members of MySpondylitisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone experienced jaw pain and the sudden appearance of nodules in the joints between the palm and knuckles, like overnight?

A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Waco, TX

Learning the ropes of my new diagnosis!
This situation is quite novel and presents a significant challenge. I am currently experiencing an acute flare-up resulting in considerable pain. Furthermore, my treatment remains in the preliminary stages; the prior authorization process is extensive, and I have recently received a denial for Cimzia. We will continue to monitor the status of this matter.

To provide necessary context, I would like to share my medical history to determine if others are… read more

September 8
 · 
Be the first to react
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I didn’t realize until I came to this group that jaw pain is a symptom of AS. I’ve had it on and off as long as I’ve had back pain but never put the two together.

Wishing you a speedy insurance resolution and treatment success.

September 8
MySpondylitisTeam

What a journey you've been on — and navigating a new spondylitis diagnosis on top of everything else takes real strength. Let's address your two main questions.

Jaw Pain and Spondylitis

Jaw pain is actually more common with spondylitis than many people realize. Research shows between 4% and 35% of people with ankylosing Show Full Answer

What a journey you've been on — and navigating a new spondylitis diagnosis on top of everything else takes real strength. Let's address your two main questions.

Jaw Pain and Spondylitis

Jaw pain is actually more common with spondylitis than many people realize. Research shows between 4% and 35% of people with ankylosing spondylitis experience it. Many MySpondylitisTeam members describe it as:

- Pain that shifts from side to side
- Morning stiffness and tenderness
- Swelling that makes it hard to open the mouth, eat, or speak
- Pain that radiates into the ear or neck

This happens because spondylitis causes inflammation at the entheses — the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone — and the jaw joint is vulnerable to this same process. Nodules in the Hand Joints

Sudden swelling or nodule-like changes in the small joints of the hands can be related to spondylitis. Finger swelling, sometimes called dactylitis (or "sausage fingers"), is a recognized symptom. Inflammation at the entheses in the hands can also cause localized swelling that seems to appear quite suddenly during a flare.

Given that you're currently in an acute flare, this timing makes sense — but any new or sudden physical changes should be reported to your rheumatologist promptly, especially given the complexity of your history.

On the Cimzia Denial

Prior authorization denials are unfortunately very common and frustrating. Your rheumatologist can file an appeal, provide supporting clinical documentation, or explore alternative biologic options. Don't lose hope — many people successfully overturn denials or find equally effective alternatives.

Hang in there — the early stages of managing spondylitis are genuinely the hardest part.

September 8

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