Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) refers to a condition that produces the characteristic symptoms of a condition known as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The difference between nr-axSpA and AS is that AS leads to recognizable changes on X-rays while people with nr-axSpA do not have any abnormalities on X-rays that would suggest AS.
Chronic back pain is the main symptom of nr-axSpA. The pain is typically worse late at night or in the early morning. Symptoms begin in the teenage years or in young adulthood. Another associated symptom of nr-axSpA is uveitis (a form of eye inflammation).
Cause of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)
Doctors do not understand the cause of nr-axSpA, but genetic factors as well as responses to bacterial infections may play a role in its development.
Other non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis symptoms
- Chronic Back Pain
- Enthesitis
- Morning Stiffness
- Swollen Joints
- Uveitis
Main Article on Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Symptoms

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Examples of Medications for Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Symptoms
- adalimumab (Humira)
- boswellia
- certolizumab (Cimzia)
- ColciGel (colchicinum 4X)
- Corticosteroids
- diclofenac
- etanercept (Enbrel)
- grape seed extract
- indomethacin, Indocin, Indocin-SR (Discontinued Brand in U.S.)
- infliximab (Remicade)
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Otezla (apremilast) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- secukinumab (Cosentyx)
- Types of Arthritis Medications
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