The different terms are used to understand the extent of damage the disease has caused, but the symptoms are very similar.
Note: The spectrum that includes nr-AxSpA and AS started around 2012. Prior to this time, there was only the diagnosis of AS and Undifferentiated SpA.
Symptoms of AiArthritis Diseases Regardless of Diagnosis
“Auto” Symptoms
Reference: Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study, AiArthritis, 2019.
Typically the joint pain will coincide with one or more “Auto” symptoms and start and stop suddenly - for no apparent reason (which is called a "flare"). Some people will experience all of the above symptoms, others only a few. If you have any of the arthritis features, and at least one of the “Auto” features, please consult your physician about a referral to a rheumatologist.
Symptoms Often Associated with Axial Spondyloarthritis:
What fellow patients want you to know
A warning sign of the disease or that it is worsening - you'll suddenly feel like you need a new mattress or pillow because you wake up in so much pain. "Suddenly uncomfortable when it used to be comfortable."
It literally may be a pain in your butt. (Your tailbone area is tender). You may at times need to sit on a donut (blow up or cushion with a hole cut out of the center).
A positive HLA-B27 gene test and X-rays or MRIs showing changes in the pelvic joints may point to axSpA but don’t confirm it; HLA-B27 gene test is more often negative in nr-axSpA.
It may become very hard to stand for long periods of time due to very low (buttocks) back pain. When flaring, consider using a high chair/barstool when able to stop the pressure on your low back.
There’s no single definitive test that can confirm a non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis, so rheumatologists look at a combination of physical exam, blood tests, and imaging (MRI), along with a family history of autoimmune disease (any autoimmune diagnosis, but AxSpA specifically tends to run in families), to determine symptoms and to see if there is any sign of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints. For an AS diagnosis, radiographic damage in the spine will be present. While the HLA-B27 is more common in those with radiographic damage, and can help to confirm AxSpA, it is not required to be diagnosed.
In an effort to ensure this page has the most accurate and up-to-date information, this page is currently awaiting medical review. Some information is subject to change.
Page Last Updated: 2/1/2023
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