Ankylosing Spondylitis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (where your spine meets your pelvis). For people living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, early diagnosis and treatment can help you stay active through our long winters and changing seasons.

Local rheumatology care is available through major Grand Rapids health systems, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as independent rheumatology clinics throughout Kent County.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Is an Autoimmune Disease

AS is an autoimmune condition. This means your immune system, which normally protects you from viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue—especially in and around your spine and other joints.

This ongoing immune attack causes:

  • Inflammation in the joints of the spine and pelvis
  • Pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back and buttocks
  • Over time, new bone growth around the joints in the spine

In some people, this extra bone can cause parts of the spine to fuse, leading to permanent stiffness in the back and neck. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment—often available through rheumatology clinics at Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids—this progression can often be slowed or prevented.

AS was once thought to affect mostly men, but newer research shows that men and women are affected at relatively similar rates. Women may sometimes have milder or less typical symptoms, which can delay diagnosis.

Who Gets Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Typical Age of Onset

AS most often begins between ages 15 and 45. Because this overlaps with school, early careers, and parenting years, managing AS well is important for maintaining work, family, and social life in a busy city like Grand Rapids.

Genetics and Risk Factors

The exact cause of AS is unknown, but genes play a major role. You’re more likely to develop AS if:

  • You have a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or related conditions
  • You carry a gene called HLA-B27

Most people with AS have the HLA-B27 gene, but many people with this gene never develop the disease. This means other factors—such as infections or environmental triggers—are also involved.

If you have a close relative with AS and you live in the Grand Rapids area, your primary care provider or a local rheumatologist can help evaluate your risk and symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Typical Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common include:

  • Pain and stiffness in the lower back, buttocks, or neck

    • Often worse in the morning or after sitting still (for example, after a long commute on I-96 or US-131)
    • Often improves with movement and exercise

  • Pain in tendons and ligaments, especially where they attach to bone, such as:

    • Front of the chest (costochondritis or chest wall pain)
    • Back of the heel (Achilles tendon)
    • Bottom of the foot (plantar fascia)

  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

    • Common in autoimmune diseases
    • Can be worsened by chronic pain and poor sleep

Flares: When Symptoms Get Worse

AS symptoms can change from day to day. Sometimes they become much more intense for a period of time—this is called a flare.

  • Flares can be unpredictable and may come on with little warning.
  • Cold, damp West Michigan winters, icy sidewalks, and reduced physical activity in winter months can sometimes make stiffness and pain feel worse.
  • Stress, infections, or missing medications may also trigger flares.

If you notice frequent or severe flares, talk with your Grand Rapids rheumatologist or primary care provider about adjusting your treatment plan.

How Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Early diagnosis is important so treatment can begin as soon as possible and to help prevent long-term damage.

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your provider will:

  • Ask about your back pain, stiffness, and how long symptoms have been present
  • Check whether pain improves with exercise and worsens with rest
  • Examine your spine, hips, and chest movement
  • Look for tenderness where tendons and ligaments attach to bone

You can start this process with your primary care provider in Grand Rapids, who may then refer you to a rheumatologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or an independent rheumatology practice.

Imaging and Lab Tests

To confirm a diagnosis, you may undergo:

  • X-rays of your sacroiliac joints and spine
  • MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), which can detect earlier inflammatory changes
  • Blood tests, which may include:
    • HLA-B27 genetic testing
    • Inflammation markers (ESR, CRP)
    • Tests to rule out other causes of back pain

These tests are usually arranged by your doctor or rheumatologist, who will explain what they’re looking for and what your results mean.

Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Grand Rapids

There is currently no cure for AS, but treatments can:

  • Reduce pain and stiffness
  • Control inflammation
  • Lower the risk of complications and spinal fusion
  • Improve your ability to stay active through all four Michigan seasons

Your rheumatologist will tailor your treatment to your specific symptoms and disease severity. This may involve trying different medications and therapies to find what works best for you.

Medications

Common medications for ankylosing spondylitis include:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    • Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen, prescription NSAIDs
    • Help reduce pain and inflammation

  • Analgesics (pain relievers)

    • Used for temporary pain relief when needed

  • Corticosteroids

    • Short courses or local injections to quickly control or reduce inflammation in specific joints or tendon areas

  • Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

    • Help control an overactive immune system
    • More often used if other joints (like hands or knees) are involved

  • Biologic or biosimilar medicines

    • Targeted therapies that block specific parts of the immune system (such as TNF or IL-17)
    • Can be very effective for controlling spinal inflammation and preventing progression

These medications are usually prescribed and monitored by a rheumatologist. In Grand Rapids, infusion centers and specialty pharmacies are available through major health systems to support biologic therapy.

Exercise and Physical Therapy in West Michigan

Regular exercise is one of the most important parts of managing ankylosing spondylitis—especially in a region like Grand Rapids, where long winters can limit outdoor activity.

Why Exercise Matters

Exercise helps:

  • Relieve pain and stiffness
  • Maintain spinal mobility and flexibility
  • Improve posture and breathing
  • Support heart and lung health
  • Boost mood and energy

Helpful Types of Exercise

A physiotherapist or physical therapist in Grand Rapids can design a program tailored to your needs. Helpful activities include:

  • Spinal stretching and mobility exercises
  • Strengthening exercises for your back, core, and hips
  • Aerobic exercise, such as:
    • Walking on local trails (Millennium Park, Riverside Park, Fred Meijer trails)
    • Stationary cycling
    • Low-impact classes at local fitness centers
  • Hydrotherapy or aquatic exercise
    • Warm-water pools at area hospitals, YMCAs, and rehabilitation centers can be especially helpful in winter

Ask your provider for a referral to a physical therapist with experience in arthritis or spine conditions. Many Grand Rapids clinics offer specialized musculoskeletal and rheumatology-focused rehab.

Self-Management Tips for Living With AS in Grand Rapids

In addition to medical treatment, there are many things you can do to help manage ankylosing spondylitis and maintain your quality of life.

Stay Informed and Involved

  • Learn as much as you can about AS from reliable sources.
  • Ask questions at appointments and be an active partner in your care.
  • Keep a symptom diary—note pain levels, stiffness, flares, weather changes, and activity. This can help your provider adjust treatment.

Keep Moving—Even in Winter

  • Build daily stretching and movement into your routine, especially if you have a desk job or long commute.
  • Set reminders to stand up, walk, and stretch if you sit for long periods.
  • Use indoor options during snow and ice season: treadmills, indoor tracks, mall walking, or pool exercises.

Maintain Good Posture

  • Pay attention to your posture when sitting, standing, and lying down.
  • Use supportive chairs and an ergonomic workstation if you work from home or in an office.
  • Ask your physical therapist for posture-specific exercises.

Manage Stress and Mental Health

Being diagnosed with a chronic condition like AS can bring up many emotions. You may feel:

  • Scared or uncertain about the future
  • Frustrated by ongoing pain or fatigue
  • Sad, anxious, or angry

It’s important to:

  • Acknowledge how you feel—these reactions are normal.
  • Talk with your primary care provider if you notice ongoing anxiety, depression, or trouble coping.
  • Consider counseling or support groups; many Grand Rapids mental health providers offer in-person and telehealth visits.

Stress can make symptoms feel worse, so stress management techniques—such as mindfulness, deep breathing, gentle yoga, or spending time in nature (e.g., along the Grand River or at local parks)—can be helpful.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your spine and joints.
  • Avoid smoking—it can worsen AS and increase the risk of complications.
  • Limit alcohol if you’re taking medications that affect the liver or immune system.

Local Resources and Support in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids or Kent County and think you may have ankylosing spondylitis—or you’ve already been diagnosed—there are several places to turn for help:

Healthcare Providers

  • Your primary care provider (family doctor or internist)
    • First step for evaluation of back pain and referrals
  • Rheumatologists at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
    • Independent rheumatology clinics in the Grand Rapids metro area

Public Health and Community Resources

  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health
    • General health information, chronic disease resources, and referrals
  • Local YMCAs, fitness centers, and hospital-based wellness programs
    • Exercise classes, warm-water pools, and arthritis-friendly programs

Support and Information

  • Michigan-based arthritis and spondylitis support groups (check with your rheumatology clinic, local hospitals, or statewide organizations)
  • Online communities for ankylosing spondylitis where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through

Key Points About Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory, autoimmune arthritis that mainly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints.
  • Symptoms usually begin between ages 15 and 45.
  • Common symptoms include pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks, or neck—often worse after rest and improved by exercise.
  • Symptoms vary from person to person and may flare unpredictably.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist in Grand Rapids can help prevent long-term damage and maintain mobility.
  • Medications, exercise, physical therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices all play important roles in managing AS.

If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and experiencing ongoing back pain or stiffness—especially if it improves with movement and has lasted more than three months—schedule an appointment with your doctor or a local rheumatologist to discuss whether ankylosing spondylitis could be the cause. Early evaluation can make a significant difference in your long-term health and quality of life.