Axia Interventional Spine & Pain

Axia Interventional Spine & Pain Targeted Care. Meaningful Relief.

Pain doesn’t always match what appears on imaging.Some people continue to experience persistent or recurring symptoms ev...
06/01/2026

Pain doesn’t always match what appears on imaging.

Some people continue to experience persistent or recurring symptoms even when scans look normal or unchanged. This can be confusing—especially when there’s no clear structural explanation.

Pain is influenced by more than structure alone. Movement patterns, sensitivity, prior injury, and how the body responds over time can all play a role in how symptoms are experienced.

That’s why understanding function—and how pain behaves—often matters as much as what is visible on imaging.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Bindu Popat‑Lewis focuses on bringing these pieces together, so persistent symptoms are understood in context, not just defined by a scan.

Pain without a clear structural finding is still real.
Understanding the bigger picture matters.

Pain doesn’t always behave in a straight line.It can improve, shift, or flare up—even without a clear reason.When sympto...
05/21/2026

Pain doesn’t always behave in a straight line.
It can improve, shift, or flare up—even without a clear reason.

When symptoms change, it’s natural to worry that something new is wrong or that the condition is getting worse. In many cases, though, changes in pain reflect how the body responds to movement, activity, sensitivity, or temporary irritation—not new damage.

The way pain changes over time, and how it responds to daily activities, often provides more useful insight than a single moment or flare‑up.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Bindu Popat‑Lewis focuses on understanding those patterns so changes in pain are interpreted in context—not simply reacted to.

Pain can change without something new being wrong.
Understanding that difference matters.

Pain doesn’t always behave in a straight line.Sometimes it improves, then suddenly flares up again—often without a clear...
05/11/2026

Pain doesn’t always behave in a straight line.
Sometimes it improves, then suddenly flares up again—often without a clear reason.

When that happens, it’s natural to wonder whether something new has been injured.

In many cases, flare‑ups are part of how the body responds to movement, activity, or temporary irritation. They don’t always indicate new damage—even though they can feel just as intense.
The way symptoms change over time, and how they respond to rest or activity, often provides important clues about what’s happening.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Bindu Popat‑Lewis helps patients understand these patterns so next steps are based on clarity, not fear.

Not every setback means something has gone wrong.
Understanding the difference matters.

It’s common to wonder whether an X‑ray or MRI is the next step when pain persists. Imaging can be helpful—but it’s not a...
05/08/2026

It’s common to wonder whether an X‑ray or MRI is the next step when pain persists. Imaging can be helpful—but it’s not always necessary, and it doesn’t always explain symptoms.

Many findings on imaging are common, even in people without pain. That’s why images are most useful when they’re ordered thoughtfully and interpreted in the context of how pain affects movement, function, and daily life.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Bindu Popat‑Lewis uses imaging as one part of a broader evaluation—not as a starting point or a standalone answer. The goal is to understand when imaging adds clarity, and when other information is more meaningful.

Understanding comes before escalation.
And not every answer lives on a scan.

Many people hesitate to say physical therapy “didn’t work.”But ongoing pain after therapy doesn’t mean therapy failed—or...
05/06/2026

Many people hesitate to say physical therapy “didn’t work.”
But ongoing pain after therapy doesn’t mean therapy failed—or that nothing helped.

Physical therapy often provides valuable information about how the body responds to movement, activity, and load. When progress plateaus or symptoms return, that information can be just as important as improvement.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Bindu Popat‑Lewis helps patients interpret what their experience reveals. Sometimes it points to the need for refinement or time. Other times, it highlights a different contributor that needs to be understood.

The goal isn’t to move on quickly—it’s to make sense of what’s already been tried so next steps are thoughtful, appropriate, and focused on long‑term function.

Progress isn’t always linear.
Understanding why matters.

Many people living with back pain focus on how much it hurts. But some of the most important details are the ones that d...
05/01/2026

Many people living with back pain focus on how much it hurts. But some of the most important details are the ones that don’t always get mentioned.

That can include things like pain when standing still, needing to lean forward for relief, difficulty turning in bed, or flare‑ups that come and go. These experiences are common—and they matter.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Bindu Popat‑Lewis encourages patients to share the full picture of how pain affects daily life, even the details that feel hard to describe or easy to brush off. Those details often help clarify what’s driving symptoms and guide thoughtful next steps.

When pain changes how you move or function, it may be worth understanding why.

When Your Back Locks Up and You Can’t MoveMany people have experienced it: one small movement, bending or twisting—and s...
04/28/2026

When Your Back Locks Up and You Can’t Move
Many people have experienced it: one small movement, bending or twisting—and suddenly your back “locks up.” Even minor movement can feel impossible.
While this can be frightening, these episodes are often the body’s protective response to muscle spasm or joint irritation. It doesn’t always mean something is damaged—but it does mean your back needs attention.

What can help in the moment:

Pause and avoid forcing movement
Change positions slowly and gently
Use ice or heat if it provides relief
Stay calm—tension can worsen muscle spasm

What to avoid:

Pushing through sharp pain
Aggressive stretching or twisting
Ignoring repeated or worsening episodes

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Popat‑Lewis helps patients understand why these episodes happen and how to reduce the risk of them returning—often starting with conservative care focused on movement, strength, and stability.

Seek medical evaluation promptly if back pain is accompanied by:

Progressive weakness or numbness
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Severe pain after a fall or injury

Back pain may be common—but being unable to move because of pain isn’t something you should ignore.

Do I Need an X‑ray or MRI for Low Back Pain?It’s a common question—and an understandable one. When back pain doesn’t imp...
04/24/2026

Do I Need an X‑ray or MRI for Low Back Pain?

It’s a common question—and an understandable one. When back pain doesn’t improve right away, many people assume imaging is the next step. But imaging isn’t always needed early on, and in many cases, it doesn’t change the initial plan of care.
At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Popat‑Lewis starts with a thorough history and physical exam. Many patients improve with conservative care such as physical therapy, movement retraining, and core strengthening—without immediate imaging.

Imaging may be helpful when:

-Pain persists despite a meaningful trial of conservative care
-Symptoms are worsening rather than improving
-Pain travels into the leg with numbness or weakness
-Results would meaningfully guide next steps in care

Imaging is used thoughtfully—not just to identify findings, but to guide decisions that actually help patients move forward.

The goal is always the same: treat the person, not just the picture.

Many people notice that walking through the grocery store feels easier when they lean forward on a cart. If that sounds ...
04/21/2026

Many people notice that walking through the grocery store feels easier when they lean forward on a cart. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Leaning forward can temporarily reduce stress on certain parts of the spine, which may provide short‑term relief. But needing that support during everyday activities can also be an important clue about how the back and supporting muscles are functioning.
At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Popat‑Lewis pays close attention to these real‑life details. Understanding how pain shows up during daily activities helps identify the true source of discomfort and guides the most appropriate next steps—often starting with conservative care.

If grocery shopping has become uncomfortable, or if you find yourself modifying how you walk just to get through it, it may be worth having your back evaluated.

Pain may be common.
Adjusting everyday activities to tolerate it doesn’t have to be.

Why Physical Therapy Matters for Low Back PainMany people feel frustrated when they’re told to try physical therapy for ...
04/17/2026

Why Physical Therapy Matters for Low Back Pain

Many people feel frustrated when they’re told to try physical therapy for low back pain—especially if they’ve tried it before. But when done thoughtfully and targeted to the right problem, physical therapy can be one of the most effective first steps in care.

Physical therapy and core strengthening work together to improve how the spine is supported and how the body moves. This can reduce strain on the lower back, improve stability, and help prevent flare-ups from returning.

At Axia Interventional Spine & Pain, Dr. Popat-Lewis encourages patients to give physical therapy a focused, meaningful try. It’s not about endless exercises—it’s about building strength, endurance, and movement patterns that support long-term function.

When pain doesn’t improve despite a solid course of therapy, that information helps guide next steps safely and appropriately.

The goal is always the same: better movement, less pain, and lasting relief.

Address

1525 E. Beltline Avenue NE. Suite 101A
Grand Rapids, MI
49525

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4am
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16162822377

Website

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