That's a misconception about "back pain is the most reported symptom of people living w/ AxSpA." In fact I have been seeing so many specialists lately & 1 actually said to me, "So, with your AxSpA, did u first feel it in your back like most others?"
I looked at him & said, " No, that is not the symptom a lot of women have when 1st diagnosed w/ this disease. I had joint problems, ( which I have had replacements, 2 hips, a rotator cuff..,) my pain started in my joints. Then the disease progressed to my eyes, heart & lungs." He was taken aback.
That's the sad part of this for me, most people assume that the symptons of AS always start in the spine. Research has shown that's not true for many, many women.
And THAT is why so many of us have lived yrs w/ AS w/ no correct diagnosis because too many doctors think if you don't have back, neck, etc..pain, then u possibly can't have AS. Now, becuase of the late diagnosis..like 15-20 yrs late..I have so many other issues, like uveitis that has also led to my left eye retina detachment and Afib issues.
Best wishes to you🙏