Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in Sacramento & the Bay Area
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive condition that can quietly steal your mobility and independence over time — yet it is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed for years before a patient receives the specialist care they need. At Premier Medical Concierge, we provide expert, personalized ankylosing spondylitis care delivered directly to your home, so you can focus on protecting your spine and reclaiming your quality of life.
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints — the joints connecting the spine to the pelvis. Over time, inflammation can cause the vertebrae to fuse together, leading to reduced spinal flexibility, a stooped posture, and in severe cases, complete rigidity of the spine. AS is part of a broader group of conditions called spondyloarthropathies, which can also involve the hips, shoulders, knees, and eyes.
AS most commonly begins in young adults between the ages of 17 and 45, and is significantly more common in men than women. Because its early symptoms — such as low back pain and morning stiffness — are easily mistaken for mechanical back pain, the average time to diagnosis is often 8 to 10 years. Early intervention by a rheumatologist is critical to slowing disease progression and preventing permanent joint damage.
Common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include:
Chronic low back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Pain that improves with movement and worsens with rest
Reduced flexibility and range of motion in the spine
Hip, shoulder, and peripheral joint pain
Fatigue and general unwellness
Eye inflammation (uveitis) — causing redness, pain, and light sensitivity
Chest pain or difficulty taking a deep breath (when the rib joints are involved)
Enthesitis — pain and tenderness where tendons and ligaments attach to bone
AS can also be associated with inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and other systemic conditions. A thorough evaluation by a rheumatologist is essential to identify the full extent of disease involvement and design an effective treatment plan.
How Dr. Kim Treats Ankylosing Spondylitis
Dr. Joey Kim is a board-certified rheumatologist with over 12 years of experience diagnosing and managing spondyloarthropathies, including ankylosing spondylitis. Voted one of Sacramento Magazine's Top Doctors every year from 2021 to 2025, Dr. Kim takes a proactive, individualized approach focused on slowing disease progression, preserving spinal mobility, and improving daily function.
He understands that AS affects far more than your back — it affects your ability to work, sleep, exercise, and engage fully in your life. His treatment plans reflect that understanding.
Your personalized ankylosing spondylitis treatment plan may include:
NSAIDs as first-line therapy to reduce inflammation and pain
Biologic therapies — including TNF inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors — for moderate to severe disease
JAK inhibitor therapy for patients who do not respond to biologics
Acupuncture for pain relief, muscle tension, and overall wellness
Structured physical therapy and exercise guidance to maintain spinal flexibility
Posture and ergonomic counseling to protect spinal alignment
Regular monitoring of inflammatory markers, spinal mobility, and disease activity
Screening and management of associated conditions including uveitis and IBD
Coordination with ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists as needed
Dr. Kim monitors your condition closely over time, adjusting your treatment as your disease evolves — always with the goal of keeping you as mobile, active, and pain-free as possible.
The Premier Medical Concierge Difference: Care That Comes to You
For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, sitting in a waiting room or enduring a long commute on a stiff, painful day can be genuinely miserable. Premier Medical Concierge eliminates that barrier entirely by bringing specialized rheumatology care directly to your home, throughout Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
What in-home rheumatology care means for you:
Same-day and next-day appointments available
No travel, no waiting rooms, no aggravating a stiff spine to get to a clinic
Unrushed appointments with a physician who understands your full history
Direct access to Dr. Kim between visits when symptoms flare or concerns arise
Consistent, relationship-based care focused on your long-term spinal health
A whole-person approach that addresses movement, lifestyle, and overall wellness
For AS patients managing a progressive condition, having an expert come to you means one less obstacle between you and the care that can genuinely make a difference.
Ready to Protect Your Spine and Reclaim Your Mobility?
Ankylosing spondylitis is progressive — but with early, targeted treatment, its course can be meaningfully altered. Dr. Kim and the Premier Medical Concierge team are here to help you slow the disease, stay mobile, and live as fully as possible.
Schedule a complimentary phone consultation today.