Hi Ali,
Sorry about your disturbing visit! I don't really have any input but to try to encourage you to stick with the NSD. You do see an improvement, so hang in there!
I wanted to answer one of your questions that I do have knowledge of, that is because of personal experience. I have a point in my back (I believe 7th thoracic) where I had damaged to a disk. My chiro actually pointed it out to me about 4 years before diagnosis. I damaged my soft tissues he said when I was still a child. That is where my pain was for about 10 years on and off before my other AS all kicked in. My alternative Dr said that AS very often settles into an old injury, which I have also read is true. My lower back & hips did not start hurting until after I had my babies.
Hope this helps and keep us updated.
Janet
