“Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis” is a mouthful. It is difficult to say, and even more difficult to understand for many. Its abbreviation, “nr-axSpA,” does not roll off the tongue easily either. As it turns out, even some rheumatologists are confused about this terminology since the name literally means that it is axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with “normal x-rays,” though that is not accurate. The term also does not clarify x-rays of what? Sacroiliac joints? Spine? Does radiographic mean x-rays or maybe CT scans? Read more…