Low back pain is the most common form of physical disability. An estimated 80 percent of all Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain is the second leading cause of work absenteeism. Studies show that early aggressive treatment of back injuries by a physiatrist results in quicker recovery and fewer lost work days. Treatment by physiatrists centers around various combinations of exercise and medication.
Treatment for any neck condition is recommended as soon as possible to limit the danger of further aggravation. There are very broad and general approaches to the treatment of neck pain. Dr. Overton will develop an individual treatment plan for you.
Tennis elbow, rotator cuff injury, heel injuries, lower back problems, and frequent knee pain because of the many sports based on running—all of these injuries affect the careers of professional athletes and cause discomfort for "weekend warriors" as well.
Many physiatrists serve as consultants to professional and college sports teams and work with all athletes in rehabilitating injuries. PM&R plays a strong role in designing strength and conditioning programs to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Treatment of injuries may include physical therapy, exercise, braces or orthotics, and, sometimes, selective nerve injections.
Common work injuries include spine disorders—particularly in the heavy machinery industries—and cumulative trauma from repetitive motions, which causes carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. The incidence of cumulative trauma continues to increase as computer usage grows.
Physiatrists have a strong understanding of ergonomics and can work with physical therapists to teach correct posture and behavior modification to prevent injuries. Early stages of patient care include medication, testing and therapy. For chronic problems, the PM&R physician may medicate to reduce pain and prescribe exercise to improve a patient’s physical fitness.
As a rehabilitation physician/physiatrist, Dr. Overton will thoroughly assess your condition, needs, and expectations and rule out any serious medical illnesses to develop a treatment plan. With this clear understanding of your condition and limitations, he will develop an effective treatment plan.
Dr. Overton will tailor your treatment to your specific needs, For example, a runner may have gained weight after being sidelined by a knee injury. Dr. Overton will prescribe tailored, low-impact activities that burn calories without aggravating the injury, simultaneously prescribing physical therapy and use of a brace to strengthen and support the knee.
For a patient who may be suffering from chronic neck pain, Dr. Overton might prescribe medication, stretching, and massage for short-term pain relief, as well as strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is needed, he will work with you and your surgeon before and after surgery. By directing your treatment team and collaborating with other health care professionals, Dr. Overton will specially design a treatment program for you.
Do you want to strengthen an injured muscle, find relief from chronic pain, or walk up the stairs without being winded? Dr. Overton can work with you to determine realistic short- and long-term goals. He will help you find relief from pain, achieve successes in rehabilitation or exercise programs, overcome your setbacks, and reassess your goals if necessary.
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opiate addiction. Opiates include heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and Hydrocodone. Opiates can be abused and lead to tolerance and dependence. Your body becomes accustomed to ever-higher amounts so that when the drug is stopped you go into withdrawal (nausea, vomiting, sweats, diarrhea, shaking, and anxiety). Even after the physical phase of withdrawal is over, you still might not feel right, and may relapse just to “feel normal.”
Suboxone (bupinorphine/naloxone) can be used in combination with counseling to help opiate dependence. In 2000 the Drug Addiction Treatment Act was passed which allowed medical professionals to prescribe opiates to manage opiate dependence. In October 2002 Suboxone was approved for this indication by the FDA. Suboxone is a partial opiate agonist that acts on mu receptors, the same receptors heroin, oxycodone, and other opiates attach to. Suboxone has a much higher attraction for mu receptors, thereby pushing off morphine, methadone, and other full agonist opiates from the receptor. When Suboxone binds to the receptor it has enough excitable properties that opiate-addicted persons perceive a satisfying effect. Its maximal effect is less than that of full agonists, such as L-alpha acetyl methanol (LAAM), methadone, or heroin, and higher doses of Suboxone can be given without the adverse effects seen with higher doses of full agonist opiates, such as respiratory depression. Suboxone slowly detaches from the mu receptor, and so it’s able to block the effects of other opiates. It is difficult for opiate, such as heroin, to move Suboxone off the receptor. Similarly, it is difficult for opiate receptor blockers, such as naloxone, to move Suboxone from the receptor and precipitate withdrawal Suboxone may be more convenient for some users in Philadelphia over methadone because patients can be given a thirty day take home dose after achieving the correct maintenance dose, hence making treatment more convenient relative to those who need to visit a methadone dispensing facility daily. Click here to watch a video about Suboxone. *We make every attempt to get new patients in as soon as possible often with in a few hours and most weekends if needed.
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Charlotte, NC 28262
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