Oh, My Aching Head: UA Study May Offer Relief

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Frequent headache sufferers may participate in a University of Alabama study of techniques designed to help people reduce and manage their headache pain.

Qualified participants will receive free treatment throughout a 10-week program, along with pre-, mid- and post-treatment assessments. In addition to the free treatment, participants who complete the program will receive a $25 payment at the midpoint and again at the conclusion of the program. To find out more or to apply for participation in the study, call 205/348-5000.

To qualify, participants must be 18 or older; seen by a physician for headaches within the past six months; suffer from frequent headaches, usually at least three significant headaches per month; and obtain a release by their primary physician that allows their participation in the study. They must also be able to meet once a week for therapy for one and one-half hours. The sessions are typically held in the evenings.

Dr. Beverly Thorn, professor of psychology at UA and director of UA’s clinical psychology doctoral program, is leading the study. She has been helping people manage their chronic pain, including severe headaches, for some 20 years. The National Institutes of Health has awarded Thorn a three-year grant to continue her research.

The UA professor’s focus is on cognitive behavioral therapy, a widely accepted treatment method for various problems, including pain. In her group therapy sessions, Thorn teaches participants relaxation exercises, tips on how to better pace themselves in their daily routines and the effects negative thoughts can have on their pain.

Thorn’s work focuses on three types of headaches, migraine headaches, muscle tension headaches, and a combination of the two, known as mixed migraine/muscle tension headaches.