My long-awaited Quell pain relief device has finally arrived!
As soon as I saw the FedEx truck rumble by, I heaved myself out of my chair and hurried to the front door, hoping to see that plain, unassuming box sitting on the front step. There it was, as I’d dreamed for months. I basically ripped it open with my teeth.
This was 0.02 seconds after FedEx dropped off the package.
I backed the Quell IndieGogo the moment I discovered it during the winter; it had already tripled its $100,000 goal. At this point my fairly useless pain clinic says I have exhausted most of my options in terms of what they can provide, unless I want to try an IV lidocaine/ketamine mix. I had the IV lidocaine infusion two weeks ago, and the aftermath was nothing short of a pain-riddled disaster. I’m grasping at straws here.
Quell makes grand promises in its sleek promotional video. As PSFK said:
TENS systems aren’t new in the market but Quell’s prescription-free, user-friendly and discrete approach is special. The Quell, no matter where the body pain is, could be left strapped at the calf where there is an abundance of nerve endings. It can also be worn 24/7 to provide round the clock pain relief.
I drowned in their website, seeking every bit of information I could. How was this device different than others on the market? How is it different than the TENS unit I already own? There are already devices worn on the calf that treat sciatica and other lower-body ailments. There are an abundance of nerve endings in that area, so it makes sense — but how can it reach the upper half of the body?
The Quell device claims to treat the entire body, producing a natural opioid-like effect through the use of electro-stimulation. It can give you relief day or night, switching on for 60-minute therapy sessions (it switches off after an hour in order to keep the user from developing resistance and switches to 80 percent power when the user is asleep). As they say on their website FAQ:
How is Quell different than other TENS devices?
Quell’s proven wearable intensive nerve stimulation (WINS) technology is double the strength of other products on the market today, enabling the device to trigger broad pain relief that covers other areas of your body. Quell’s OptiTherapy™ calibrates to your optimal stimulation level ensuring you receive maximum relief.
As it turned out, I didn’t care that I had no understanding of its schematics. I dove right in past the technical specs and the glowing media reviews.
Let’s look inside!
Dis is mah leg. LOOK AT IT.
The Quell electrode, which snaps into the calf band, lasts for two weeks. Replacement electrodes cost $30. As the Quell is available over the counter for $250 and does not require a prescription, insurance will currently not cover the device or its electrodes.
I got the Quell out of the box and set up in three minutes.
Some Fattie for all of you cat lovers out there. Surprisingly, we bought the couch without realizing that she blends into it.
The Quell is currently strapped onto my leg. I can feel the gentle TENS-like vibration against my calf. According to the manual, the device can provide relief in 15 minutes. The synced iPhone app states that I have had it on for 30 minutes as of this writing, but I am also reclining in a chair. I am going to attempt some movement and report back.
… FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER …
I love this device, and no, I’m not being paid for this blog post. I have 11 minutes left of my first 60-minute session. I just did some gentle yoga to test my range of motion and then enjoyed lunch on the back porch, sitting in an uncomfortable metal chair without much trouble. I can still feel the pain in my back and neck, but it feels removed. Like there’s a layer of fluffy gauze in between us. It’s like I am disconnected from my body. The tingling on my calf was distracting at first, but now it feels reassuring, telling me that something is working.
Honestly, I have no idea how this device is different than others. I know what the company says, but I don’t get how it operates. It uses “well-established TENS technology,” and I have a TENS unit. It does not feel like this, but it is somehow utilizing the same technology. The Boston Globe looked into this:
A TENS machine sends low-voltage electricity through the patient’s nervous system. In response, the patient’s body increases its output of endorphins and enkephalins, two naturally occurring chemicals that tend to reduce pain. The treatment can be an effective alternative to drugs and poses no risk of addiction.
Basically, it’s a super-TENS. It uses the cluster of nerves in the calf to send pain-blocking signals all over the body. Even after a session ends, the effect is supposed to continue for up to 40 minutes. It is to be used as a complement to a patient’s normal medication regimen, boosting up those effects and filling the gap that is not covered by traditional prescriptions or methodologies.
And now, as I check the iPhone app: “Next therapy: 18 minutes away.” I am going to keep monitoring its effects. There’s a 60-day money-back guarantee, since TENS devices don’t always work for everyone. However, I am feeling very optimistic about this product and am looking forward to that next therapy session.
Wear, Tear, & Care 
Hey Jennifer Kain Kilgore,
This one is very well explained. I will definitely share with my friends and on my twitter. But I have one question: You said “” TENS systems aren’t new in the market but Quell’s prescription-free, user-friendly and discrete approach is special. “” But Don’t you think Tens Units have very good genuine reviews ? And people will see reviews first. What do you think on this?
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Hi there! You make a very good point, and Tens Units do have great reviews. I do still use my Tens Unit when I have bad days, especially on the base of my head, neck and shoulders — the Quell seems to have a lesser effect on my neck pain, where I’ve had two fusions, so the Tens really zeroes in on that pain. I think that each has its own uses and will still be needed. A Tens is great for targeted pain, like where I had my fusions. A Quell is great for all-over pain, like fibromyalgia or diffuse chronic pain that can’t be targeted by just a few ledes. In tandem, they can do wonders. I hope that explains my thinking. And thank you very much for the share! 🙂
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What are the ongoing costs once I have purchased the Quell ? Do you have to buy rods every month? Or is it a one off payment, with no on going cost?
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Hi there! The ongoing costs are the electrodes, which strap into the Quell itself. That’s how electricity passes through the device into your body. I think it’s $30 for two of them (they come in packs of two), and each of them lasts approximately two weeks, though I wear mine for longer than two weeks. They don’t advise that because the gel breaks down, but I want to get my money’s worth, you know? They do run a lot of specials and sales throughout the year, which helps a lot. And I write it off on my taxes.
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$15 per electrode pad is very excessive, for my tens unit I pay approximately $3 per pad and I can usually where them for several weeks. It’s sad that the company feels the need to mark up the cost of the pads so exorbitantly. I’m on disability and on a fixed income and there’s no way I could afford the initial cost of nearly $300 with an additional $60+ a month for the pads
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D Welch – We appreciate your concerns about the cost of Quell. We continually face the challenge of balancing the high costs associated with bringing the latest technology to the marketplace and delivering it at a price point that makes it accessible to the largest number of people possible. We assure you that is our goal. Each individual electrode will last an average of 2 weeks, so a one month supply will cost $30. We do periodically offer discounts on electrodes through our website as well.
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Very well written article, very well describes the Quell. I can say this, I have only had my Quell for one day. But this is nothing short of amazing for me
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Thank you for a great review. As a long term chronic pain patient(MS, Fibromyalgia, Facet & Sciatca) there are so many snake oil salesman out there for everything under the Sun. They all promise they are the God Send to end our pain. As I try to reduce my severe pain medications thanks to the DEA crack down on the wrong targeted group(the chronic pain patient), I am once again back to trying to research alternative attempts to reduce the pain. I have used a micro current stimulator and TENS for years as a alternative to the pain. Since I do know this at times dulls the pain enough that I can keep moving on, when I saw this it caught my interest. The cost though stopped me, because this is a lot of money to shell out for something that is still a big ???mark. My micro and TENS were covered by insurance. As I noticed you wrote this blog a little over 2yrs ago from today, I would like to ask you is it still working well for you?
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Hi Pamela — thanks so much! I still wear it today, more than three years later. 🙂 Hopefully they’ll be covered by insurance one day, that’s the downside is the ongoing cost of the electrodes and the initial cost of the device. They do have a trial period to make sure it works for you if you order directly from them, though! (As opposed to like, Target or whatever. I think. I could be wrong. Maybe that’s somehow still offered if you buy it at Target.) I think using this in conjunction with a micro current stimulator should be fine if you’ve already used it with a TENS, though I would double-check them to be safe. Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
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A note about returning the Quell – I purchased one from CVS, and had only moderate success using it. To the manufacturer’s credit, they accepted the return with no questions asked. So the guarantee was very risk free! (Also, I had a couple of 30% off coupon codes from CVS, so was able to get the Quell for $175 as well as extra electrodes for about $22 or so. All I needed to do to get the coupon codes was first place an order with CVS for $49; the code came in the shipment. I’m not sure if they still do this, but it’s worth an ask.)
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I love your article, I can feel the excitement through your writing. It definitely reflects my excitement that I felt when my Quell came in the mail too.
I’m a college student and I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in January. I had been trying to navigate my day with pain and fatigue on my own to no avail. I’m on 3 different medications now to help my symptoms, and I found Quell in May looking for fibromyalgia remedies other than medication.
It worked for me within 10 minutes of putting it on! I could feel the wave of relief slowly spread from my calf to my entire body. Over the next week I did a bit of experimentation, wearing it for a few days then leaving it off for a few days. I can’t go a day, or even a few hours without it now, because my symptoms come back with a vengeance.
I know TENS devices don’t work for everyone, but I am so happy I found something that works for me. I’m glad Quell works for you too.
I wish you the best!
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I am so glad you found something that works so well for you! Especially when you are dealing with college, which is difficult enough on its own. I hope it continues to help you! Fibro is hard to deal with, but it sounds like you have a handle on it. You rock, girl! 😀
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Hi Jennifer,
I am a 32 year old strength & conditioning coach and fitness model or at least i was before my car accident. I sustained a 33% compression fracture of my L1 and a T6 end-plate fracture along with some small rib fractures. I have been in pain for a little over 2.5 years and find myself just trying to live with the pain. A second opinion doctor recommended a spinal cord stimulator but i am not comfortable with something being implanted into my spine. I have also started using CBD oil for pain because i do not like the opiod drugs, which seems to take the edge off but i am still experiencing significant pain being on my feet 8 hours a day with periodic breaks. I have severe para-spinal muscle spasms along with spine and rib tenderness. I just started working in a new field and do experience pain throughout the day so by the time i get home all i want to do is lay on my floor. I am unable to exercise due to the severe nerve pain i experience about an hour after and the next day. Is this something you think may be able to help me get back into the gym and maybe start living pain free?
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Hi Jane — I am so sorry about your accident, and I’m glad you found my blog! I also can’t believe your strength, because I don’t think I could handle the pain the way you do. I have to use medications with my Quell, and the fact that you have managed to get by without any at all is amazing. You are one strong woman. I think based on where your injury is, the Quell might work well for you. My fractures were T11-12, L1 with end-plate and rib fractures, so we have some in common. We are also pretty close in age, and I have muscle spasms as well. If you order from them directly, I think you can try it for 60 days in a trial period, and if it doesn’t work, you can send it back and get your money returned. I would try that before a spinal cord stimulator. Please let me know what you decide and if it works for you! Good luck! ❤
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After doing my research i will be ordering my QUELL device this week and i am very excited to see how it can help me with my pain along with my NSAIDS pain meds and muscle relaxers. Thank you for sharing your story i hope to be writing a very enthusiastic post to you soon!
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Jane – Quell would definitely be worth a try! Quell is broadly indicated for the relief of chronic pain. We’re hearing from patients with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions who have reported experiencing relief with Quell. We can’t tell you definitively whether you will get relief with Quell, but we do offer a 60 day money back guarantee (regardless of where you purchase the device!) so you can try it risk-free. We also have a fantastic Customer Care team (800-204-6577) in our office here in Boston that can assist you along the way as you get up and running.
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Thank you!
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Dear Jennifer: I was really happy to find your information. I am interested in the Quell unit, although the cost does discourage me somewhat. However, I’d like to discuss something else you mentioned, if you don’t mind. You said that even with the Quell and a TENS unit, you still require pain medication. I am on pain medication for a variety of problems; my situation/problem is that most of my pain is not easily verifiable. I began with migraines years ago; I had to beg for Imitrex (I was told all I needed was a glass of wine and a hot tub up to my nose). Even after I was finally, grudgingly, given migraine medication, the migraines would sometimes break through, particularly if I didn’t take the Imitrex quickly enough. I would wait until I was dry heaving from the pain before heading to an emergency room where hopefully I would be given a shot that took the pain away but put me out for a day. All the while, I was treated with suspicion as “drug seeking.” Meanwhile, I developed fibromyalgia and other pain in my back, neck, knees and other joints which I believe is a combination of arthritis and damage from years ago when I was in a police academy. Unfortunately for me, my neurologist is no longer in practice and my family doctor left what is a very conservative (country) area. I have gone to several other neurologists and every one has told me I must stop taking all my medications- all of them. I almost couldn’t find a family physician who would take me because of the pain medication- I was actually told that generally, people like us are more trouble than we’re worth. Just last month I saw a neurologist who advises his patients to follow the “Choose Wisely” program; from what I gather, the bottom line is to choose to live with the pain (no kidding). Please understand that I have been on the same level of medication for years without an increase. Also, it doesn’t completely eliminate my pain but I deal with it as best I can; it varies from day to day. Now I’m hearing all sorts of things in the news such as 3 part series on the evils of opioids that are killing people left and right. The thing is, if you listen carefully, the overdoses are from illegal heroin mixed with fentanyl, not prescription medication taken as directed. The knee jerk response is that people take the illicit drugs because they got hooked on prescription medication. That may happen, but I doubt it happens in the numbers they claim. Moreover, I suspect that people who get caught (revived) find much more sympathy if they claim they got hooked because of a root canal! Now I’m hearing that there’s a move to ban higher doses of OxyContin. Not being a physician, I can’t speak to whether this is an appropriate move. I do know that it sounds like a first step to banning more and more pain medications that people need. In any event, why ban these drugs? Shouldn’t it be the doctor’s responsibility to monitor the patient and provide pain relief as needed? Haven’t these “experts” figured out that if people are truly in pain and denied help, they may in fact turn to the illicit drugs that are killing them? Finally, people like me can’t write a letter to the Editor (because we sound like junkies), can’t argue with the doctors upon whom we depend, in short can have no recourse. Who speaks for us? I’m sorry I went on and on and the subject is actually the Quell unit. I just wondered if you might feel the same way, or might have suggestions as to how we can begin to defend ourselves without sounding like we’re “drug seeking.” Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
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Oh, honey. I am so, so sorry for your pain. I am so sorry about your terrible doctors. If one of mine talked to me like that, I honestly don’t know what I would do. I live in Boston, where they have been very scared by the opioid epidemic, but they are generally more on top of things and understand that we need SOMETHING in order to survive. That means they’ll top us out at something like Tramadol or Nucynta (synthetic opioids) to string us along, usually in tandem with some sort of steroid procedure or in-house nerve ablation. Your doctors don’t even sound like they know what pain management is. Family doctors are generalists and have maybe taken a few hours of pain management courses to keep their license current. Also depending on where you live (West Virginia, other mid-west or central states), they are apt to think “drug-seeking” first and ask questions later. At this point it is up to us to find our own care. Then they ask why so many of us are on the streets. It’s a vicious cycle, and by lumping pain patients in with heroin addicts and fentanyl addicts, this Administration has created a monster that will not be defeated anytime soon. In order to truly overcome the opioid epidemic, pain patients must somehow be parsed out and our conditions be legitimized. Until someone listens to us, they will continue to treat us as nothing more than addicts searching for a fix. And until that point, I will continue being the squeakiest of wheels, the loudest of patients, because I deserve to be cared for. My injury is not visible, but my pain is there, and it is legitimized by more than a decade’s worth of medical records. Be loud, be consistent, and find a doctor who truly specializes in pain management. I can’t believe your neurologist says to do the “Choose Wisely” program. Seriously? SERIOUSLY? How on earth is nerve pain going to respond to that? However, let’s talk about the Quell unit, that was your first question. I use the Quell every day, not at nights (the vibration keeps me up, and I’m better when I’m flat on my back anyway). On really bad days, I also use a TENS unit on my neck. I’m not sure how effective the Quell is on head conditions, but I think it would be great for your fibro. I do still take medications, though I am able to vary the dosages on good and bad days. It was kind of a “couldn’t function” before the Quell, now it’s a “Hey, I can get out of the house and do things” afterward. If you have more questions, send me an email and we can chat: jennifer@writmore.com. 🙂 I hope things get better for you!
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Oh my, I have to say that this person wrote exactly how I feel and very well written I might add !!! I can’t even describe the pain, frustration, and the hopelessness I feel. I was coping fine with my pain management under the care of a pain specialist. Never asked for a change or an increase in my medication. I was told by the surgeon who removed a tumor from my spinal cord that I would have pain for the rest of my life. I was NOT going to have the surgery done, but I was getting phone calls from my Primary Dr. And the surgeon saying that if I didn’t get the surgery that I could end up paralyzed because it was invading the spinal cord. Awful to say, hey at least I wouldn’t be in so much damn pain !! Added to that is herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, curvature of the spine and severe nerve damage from all the nerves being cut to get to the tumor.I feel like there is electrical shocks burning and stabbing through my body. How does somebody live like this ?
I remember the first time I met with the pain specialist, she said she could tell how much pain I was in by just looking at me. Honestly, I asked her how she could tell the difference between people in REAL pain and the people just looking for medications !! She went on to list how she knew the difference. At that time she was a caring Dr. As time went by, the practice grew to the point that I mostly saw the physician assistant, whom I like very much and only saw the Dr. When the government decided to get involved in the pain relief elimination. A couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with the Dr.,over time she has grown to be very uncaring and cold. I asked her if she has ever read any of the forums that the people write in about their pain, she said no. I said to her, ” do you realize how many people are talking suicide ” she said she hadn’t heard that and didn’t believe it. I said to her “do you really think that people would admit that to you, they would end up in the wacky ward” She actually agreed with me !! This last visit she said CBD oil or the road, I was concerned if it was going to work with the amount of pain I experience. She promised she would wait to do another med cut until we saw how the CBD oil worked. SHE LIED to me !! My next refill was a BIG cut back, and no access to the CBD oil for 5-6 weeks. Lesson learned, I will always record my visits from now on.
My pain has grown to out of control, and I’m at the point of total desperation!! I too, am sorry for going on and on like this last person wrote. He’s right, who is there for the people that truly are suffering ? Nobody …………………………………………….?
PS. My brother has a Quell and said that it helps him, not 100%. But it makes his pain bearable. He is going to let me try his to see if it helps with my pain. I will report back on an update.
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I have been using my Quell pain relief device since friday and it truly is life changing. My constant pain has gone from about a 6/7 to a 1/2!!! I am so excited about this and cant wait to share it with anyone else that suffers from chronic pain. I am so glad you blogged about this. I cant thank you enough for sharing your story!! Have a beautiful day:)
Jane
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I was shot in 1995 through my neck and into my left shoulder when I was 21. Over the years I went from eating Advil and Tylenol like candy to opiate based pain meds from my doctor, which I still take to this day. I have done PT, tried Tens units which help a little on bad days, acupuncture, massages with stretching from time to time. I have soft tissue and muscle scarring in my left shoulder and some nerve pain that runs down my arm. Interested in this device for possible helping with pain management. Do you think this could help with my daily neck and shoulder pain?
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Hmmm. This is a new area for me. I’m so sorry for your pain, I can’t imagine what that’s like. If it’s nerve-based, then I imagine it would have an effect, especially if TENS help on bad days. I do know that if you order directly from the company, they have a 60-day trial period, and if it doesn’t work you can get your money back. (I’m not employed by them or affiliated or anything… I just really like them.) I knew that it worked for me within a day, so you would definitely be able to figure it out within that period of time. I’ve also learned since I wrote this post that it grows in efficacy and power over time as you repeatedly use it because it learns how to best work for you with the app. Maybe try it like that and see if you like it? They also have a good customer care team that could answer your questions. Maybe they’ve had other gunshot victims call before about the product. I’d be really curious to know the answer, so we could let others know! Good luck!
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Jim,
Although I was not shot, I have muscle, joint, and nerve pain in the same areas. I have noticed an improvement, even with the change of weather. The machine sends electrical stimulation, but our muscles and even blood vessels have nerves. I have found that the machine helps me relax which helps the muscle pain. I think it will help. If you do try it please let us know how it works for you.
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Jim – We hope you’ll give Quell a try! Quell is broadly indicated for the relief of chronic pain. We’re hearing from patients with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions who have reported experiencing relief with Quell. We can’t tell you definitively whether you will get relief with Quell, but, as Jennifer mentioned, we offer a 60 day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Customer Care team at 800-204-6577 if you have any additional questions. You’ll also find more information at http://www.quellrelief.com.
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Bought it from QVC on 3 payment plan. As a bio-psychology major I recognized right away that Quell seems to work by altering the pain gate system. Basically it overrides the chronic pain signals. At this point, I personally wouldn’t care how it works as long as it does. I am ready to rip my hair out. I have had CRPS for decades. Nothing works for long, especially at night. I have used it for a week now. Although the iPad app doesn’t seem to register it I have actually slept for 4 hours straight every night. I have noticed on one leg I tend to disconnect it with leg movements. I am going to see if I can add a strap over the opening to prevent this.
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Kaliana – Glad to hear you’re giving Quell a try! Please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Customer Care team at 800-204-6577 about the disconnections you’ve been experiencing and the app (or any other questions/concerns you may have). They should be able to make some recommendations that will help.
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Does this help with arthritis?
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Hi there Pat — I don’t know the answer to that specifically, like if you mean RA or the arthritis that comes from having fractures (I have the latter, and it seems to help with that). They have a very good customer care team, so maybe they can tell you if other people have called about arthritis? It does say here on their website that it works for that condition: https://www.quellrelief.com/chronic-pain/arthritic-pain/. I hope that helps!
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Quell is broadly indicated for the relief of chronic pain. We’re hearing from patients with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, who have reported experiencing relief with Quell. We can’t tell you definitively whether you will get relief with Quell, but we offer a 60 day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. store.quellrelief.com. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Customer Care team at 800-204-6577 or customercare@quellrelief.com if you have any additional questions. We’re happy to help!
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Hi Jennifer. I am very interested in the Quell. You mentioned an app for your i-phone. Is there one for Android devices? Also do you know of any coupons available on the net to lesson my expenses? I am being checked for lupus right now, but I also have signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia. I have a few, big suggestions for anyone in chronic pain. Do not stop until you are satisfied with a diagnosis. Get copies of all your records and read them. You may be surprised as to what is in those records. I have positive markers that was never spoken about by the physician at all. I had lots of blood work done that I never knew of. If any physician treats you as if you are the main problem (addict, drug seeking, psychotic, complainer) you get that kind of treatment from any of his staff–RUN and find a new physician. If these things get in your chart over and over, then it is difficult to prove wrong. I am a physically retired nurse. I used to see these things in patients charts all the time, some were definitely not warranted. Be your own advocate. I apologise for getting off topic a bit. I am very passionate about this subject as I have have fought it almost all my life.
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Sandra – Yes, there is an Android version of the app, which you can find in Google Play by searching for “Quell Relief”. We do have promotions periodically, as do our retail partners, and the best way to make sure you hear about them is to sign up for our newsletter at http://www.quellrelief.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/quellrelief) and/or on Twitter & Instagram (@quellrelief). We hope you’ll give Quell a try!
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It’s me again. I am Sandra and finished an e-mail to you less than five minutes ago. Two more questions came to my mind. 1) I wear a Mini Med insulin pump. Can I wear a Quell with that? 2) I am going to start wearing the Dexcom or Freestyle continous glucose meter. Is that going to be compatible with the Quell? Thanks
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Sandra – Quell is contraindicated if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implanted metallic or electronic device. However, there are no known safety issues and we suggest that you discuss Quell with your doctor to see if it makes sense for you.
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Has anyone had success using Quell for Trigger Points in the Neck and Shoulder area. I have had Lidocaine, Botox, Physical Therapy, and now am debating to use Acupuncture. Anyone us it for Trigger Points.
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Hi Sue — I have pain in that area, and it has helped keep it under control. While I find that the farther away the pain is from the Quell, the less helpful it is, I also do have a ton of trauma in my neck that it has to fight. I’d suggest doing a trial period. The company has a really good 60-day trial so you can see if it works. Though acupuncture is also really nice, I do both! 🙂
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Sue – Quell is broadly indicated for the relief of chronic pain. We’re hearing from patients with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions who have reported experiencing relief with Quell. We can’t tell you definitively whether you will get relief with Quell, but we offer a 60 day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Quell Customer Care team at 800-204-6577.
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1. Does this device work with arthritis, especially in the neck and upper back area?
2. What’s a TENS?
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1. Yes, it does. I’ve found that it isn’t as effective on my neck as it is on my mid- and lower-back issues, but my neck is especially traumatized and in constant flux (the vertebrae are still under a lot of pressure from my fusions), so I’m probably not the best person to ask. For people who only have arthritis, I’ve heard that they’ve found some relief.
2. TENS is a machine that stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. You can get them online from places like Amazon or stronger prescription ones from your doctor — basically, they’re sticky pads with wires attached to a battery pack that you place where it hurts, and you get small electric shocks that block pain signals. It’s not as strong as the Quell, but it’s very centralized and can work for places like the neck if you really need a focused area.
Hope that helps! 🙂
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Thanks for the immediate and timely reply.
I had never heard of either of these things. I’ve been to PA’s, Dr.’s, Surgeons, Pain Intervention Specialists, Neuroligists, et. al.; no one has ever mentioned this.
I just saw a small blurb in the AARP Bulletin, and decided to follow up on it.
Thanks again.
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Of course! The Quell is new, and most doctors don’t know about it yet. I’m kind of surprised your docs haven’t suggested a TENS if you have arthritis, though! Those have been around for years. Even a regular over-the-counter one would probably do some good. Just make sure to get the ledes to go with it (usually it comes with some at the beginning, but then you’ll have to buy replacements going forward). They’re sticky and are placed on the skin for the electrical current to pass through, and if you put water on them when you take them off they’ll last a little longer. 🙂
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Martin – Quell is broadly indicated for the relief of chronic pain. We’re hearing from patients with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, who have reported experiencing relief with Quell. We can’t tell you definitively whether you will get relief with Quell, but we offer a 60 day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. store.quellrelief.com.
Like TENS units, Quell uses electrical nerve stimulation in order to provide pain relief. Quell is up to 10x more powerful than popular OTC (over-the-counter) TENS devices. Quell is powerful enough to stimulate the sensory nerves in the upper calf, which carry neural pulses to the brain. Quell is different because this stimulation triggers the release of the body’s natural pain blockers to deliver relief in your body. Quell is also the only OTC electrical nerve stimulation device that is FDA cleared for use while sleeping and is wearable 24/7.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Quell Customer Care team at 800-204-6577 if you have any additional questions.
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Yes, i just called the toll free number with one concern that my son, a PA, had. He questioned whether it could be effective with me as i had bilateral knee replacement on 8/10/’09. The rep said the knee replacements should have no impact. Have any users here had double knee replacements and was the Quell still effective?
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Put water on the electrodes when you take them off? How much water?
Also, i appear to have dry skin; is there a way to get the electrodes to stick better as the orange light has come on several times. It can’t be the battery as I had it only 3 days, nor can it be the electrodes for the same reason. A skin conditioner, water, ?????
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I think the orange light means it’s disconnected from one of the ledes? I’m not sure about that part. I should’ve been clearer about the water part — the gels themselves on the pads are mostly water anyway, so I just dab a fingertip in water when I take off the electrode and lightly wet it down before putting the protective cover-sheet thing back on it. Maybe a couple drops? As for the dry skin, I use a Neutrogena eczema lotion, even though I don’t have eczema. I’ve found that because it has stuff like oatmeal in it, it really protects the skin and protects from any irritation. 🙂
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I’m doing everything in my power to make this work. I dab a little water on after use.
Was looking for Neutrogena eczema; talked to a pharmacist and he said Neutrogena is a brand; i found Gold Bond (with oatmeal; hope i don’t eat it), and he said it was the same. I’ll try it after applications to prevent rash, and hopefully, that will not make the skin so dry for next application.
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Martin – Please contact our Boston-based Quell Customer Care team at 800-204-6577 for assistance. They can troubleshoot why you’re seeing the orange light and give you some recommendations for skin care that may help.
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Thanks,
i did that already. I’ve had great reps every time i’ve called. It WAS the battery. I thought i had read somewhere that the battery lasts a week. The rep said, depending on usage, and i used it a lot the first two days, it could last two or three days. He suggested recharging it more often. Ergo, i will probably recharge it every other night during the night as i don’t really use it then.
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I have back pain only when I am active, walking, housework, etc. Could this help me?
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Hi June. My back pain is generally worse with activity, so yeah, I think it would be helpful for you. I’d give it a whirl! 🙂
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Jennifer,
I seem to recall that you said that you put water on the electrodes before putting the cover back on top. if it was you, how do put it on? I read that your fingers aren’t supposed to be touching the electrodes, but i’ve been using my finger to wet those 4 sections. Do you use your finger, a q-tip, a cotton swab or what??? It seems easy to use the finger, but not at the risk of shortening the electrode life.
I’ve been using it about 2 weeks now, and so far, no appreciable improvement in cervical and upper back arthritis. I will give it longer. I normally do 3, sometimes 4 treatments a day.
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Hi Martin – sorry for the delay, I’ve been in a monster flare. I use my fingers to drop some water on the gel… I haven’t found that to significantly shorten the life of the electrode and usually wear them beyond two weeks anyway. Once the gel starts shrinking from the edges and can’t be pushed back is when I change them out. (This advice obviously isn’t endorsed by the company, this is just my own personal experience.) I hope it starts working for you!
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I’ve had my Quell for about ten weeks now and am amazed at the level of relief that I have experienced. I have had fibromyalgia for approximately sixteen years and this is, by far, the most pain relief that I have experienced from any product or medication that I have used. I also have two herniated, protruding discs, in my lower back and neck, with impinging S-1 nerve root pain in my right hip. The Quell is providing significant relief in my hip.
Wish the electrodes were cheaper, but I’m supplementing with medical grade gel. I am trying my first set of sport electrodes, and so far, I do not see any difference in how they work. I’m not sure whether they are supposed to adhere better, last longer, or what, exactly… But I do love this Quell. Bought mine on QVC; paid less, received extra electrodes and an extra band, and paying in 4 monthly, interest free, payments 🙂
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It appears to me you are wearing it wrong. It should be on the side of your leg, not over the shinbone.
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I HAVE HAD HEART BYPASS SURGERY, I ALSO HAVE A CARDIAC STENT—SO I DO HAVE METALLIC SUBSTANCE IN MY BODY I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL WEB SITES THAT ONE SHOULD NOT WEAR A QUELL IF YOU HAVE ANY METALLIC DEVICE IN YOUR BODY.. CALLED QUELL AND THEY SAID AS LONG AS THE METALLIC IS NOT ELECTRONIC THERE IS NO DANGER,???
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Hi Rose! I think it’s only contraindicated if you have something like a pacemaker. I have two fusions in my neck, and it doesn’t affect those. I would definitely check with their customer team, though. They’re super nice and really informative! Good luck, please let me know how it goes for you!
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Rose – Quell is contraindicated if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implanted metallic or electronic device. However, there are no known safety issues and we do have many users (like Jennifer!) with passive orthopedic implants who have had success with Quell. We suggest that you discuss Quell with your doctor to see if it makes sense for you.
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I haven’t read anything about it helping with hip pain. I have bursitis with arthritis in my hip. I have been getting injections about every 4 months that does help but not completely. I have used a TENS unit but do not like all the cords hanging out. My question are: does it help with hip pain from the conditions I mentioned? And are there any cords? Would you need a large one for the hip and lower back area?
Thanks
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Noreen – Quell is broadly indicated for the relief of chronic pain. We’re hearing from patients with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions, including hip pain, who have reported experiencing relief with Quell. In a clinical study, 81% of Quell users reported improvement in their chronic pain after 60 days. Everyone is different, even if they have the same underlying condition causing their pain, so we can’t tell you definitively whether you will get relief with Quell, but we offer a 60 day money back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. store.quellrelief.com
There are no cords/wires with Quell (other than the charging cable, which you wouldn’t use while wearing the device!). Quell is designed to be worn just below the knee so that it can stimulate the cluster of sensory nerve fibers located there that is close to the surface of the skin. Because the stimulation triggers your body’s natural pain blockers to provide pain relief, you do not have to have the device on the area of the body where you are experiencing pain to experience pain relief.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Customer Care team at 800-204-6577 if you have any additional questions.
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people……….. get the equipment and try it, you have 60 days to give it a shot.
..
on top of athletic injuries (shoulders/knees – played college ball) have had number of cancer ops/surgeries/radiation/etc, KNEE REPLACED, 3 herniated discs from two separate car wrecks (idiots ran me over both times and totaled my trucks), three back surgeries, rehabs and settled in on med basis of 80mg a day for over 15 years. Had relatively evened out and could carry on with life and my successful consulting biz. BUT, bozocare killed all of that! Can’t afford bozo ins with $14k deduct after high prems and besides, I don’t know any doctors that will take the bs insurance, None of my docs will……….no cancer centers will !!!!
..
So, I had mo biz/money, NO cancer care, NO med care, NO meds for back/neck/etc issues and went into a big fallout into bed for about 18 months …………lost my biz/just couldn’t work and dropped 100lbs/pain was great appetite suppressant. Over 12-18 ,mos, kinda figured out how to use alcohol for little help for part of a day or two a week needed to be a little activity and lots of advil/alleve (bottles a week). Finally figured out the pain mgmt doctor thing, real hinky process with these folks, but got a little meds help (about 25% of what I had with on even basis years earlier and they are making noise about dropping THAT amount). Its NOT gonna get any better on that end cuz the current politics of blaming the RX and gasp…..duh duh duuuuhh……..opiods for all the kiddos personal issues so they can get high
..
So got drastic and picked up the quell and it has cut a LITTLE EDGE off for me………….. and I MEAN A LITTLE EDGE, but, its something, better than nothing. I now even use some celebrex (messes with stomach, but no choice to cut a little edge for 1-2 hours) and the quell is a lot easier on me than the antiflams
…
SOOO……………. pick up the quell and try it………..got 60 days. so WTH not????
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and hey, IF YOU CAN’T FADE $300, I DON’T THINK YOU’RE HURTING THAT BADLY
…
GOOD LUCK………….
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Hi Jennifer & Emily
Y’all have almost won me for a try. I am a arthritus patient & tick borne elichosis bacterium victim with peripheral neuropathy, chrons & various other gut issues. They tell me it was a tick bite that put in the CCU with MengioEncelephitis, blood & nerve sheath infection & a two month hospital stay. I share all the opiate worry’s as many. My state Legislature of Ky has a den of theives & fools in the majority & gov office & the future for chronic pain patients is bleak. Now I been diagnosed as diabetic as well. My pain is chronic, wide spread chronic with flares. Every joint is subject to inflammation especially in my feet/toes & hands/fingers. What are the long term effects of the Quell device on the body’s endomorphism & endocannibial responses? I worry about the overuse of these systems. I also need to read more because the ads hint at different feature are not availiable on allodels. How many models are there? Point me to the answers please.
Thanks
Matthew
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Hi Matthew! I apologize for my delayed reply. I’m so glad you want to try it! I think it’ll help your arthritis at the very least, as well as the diabetic neuropathy. I don’t personally know of any long-term effects that using the device has. As far as I know, it has no effect on those systems you mentioned, but that would probably be a question for Emily. The Quell shop has the newest model available: https://store.quellrelief.com/ (not an affiliate link, I don’t get paid for this). 🙂 You get 60 days to try it and see if you like it. Please let me know how it works for you!
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Matthew – We hope you’ll take advantage of our 60 day money back guarantee and give Quell a try!
There is no evidence to suggest that regular use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators causes any adverse effects beyond those listed in adverse reactions section of our comprehensive user manual (www.quellrelief.com/quell-user). The most likely adverse reaction is skin irritation. We are not aware of any danger of triggering the body’s release of endogenous opioids by electrical nerve stimulator. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Boston-based Customer Care team (800-204-6577) if you have any additional questions.
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I have had my Quell for almost one month and have had moderate success with it. I am curious about what intensity settings are generally used. I have set mine at 20 but cannot always feel the stimulation. Am I setting it too low? What intensity settings are people using to get relief from severe arthritis pain?
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Hi Susan — I literally just figured out how to show the numbers on my app, and mine has been hovering between 9-15. You might have the “sensitive” option on, which feels like less of a vibration. That’s under the Settings tab. I basically turn mine up as far as I can without it irritating my leg. Sometimes I still don’t feel the vibration, though, mainly in the middle of the treatment; it’s turned up pretty high at the beginning and the end. That doesn’t mean it isn’t working, just that it’s automatically setting itself at a different number. Maybe try asking the customer care team? I don’t personally have much arthritis (only in my spine where I was fractured), mine is more nerve pain at this point. Good luck!
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Susan – Glad to hear you’ve having some success with Quell thus far! Our Boston-based Customer Care team would be happy to help walk you through the settings to ensure you’re set to maximize your results with the device. Therapeutic intensity varies from person to person, as it’s calibrated based on each individual’s sensation level, however a good rule of thumb is that therapy should feel strong, but comfortable, so if you aren’t always feeling the sensation during therapy, you probably need to increase intensity. Please don’t hesitate to call our team (800-204-6577) for help over the phone!
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I am curious about 2 things. 1., Is the Quell good for neck pain. I’ve had neck issued for years & it tends to give me headaches.
2. I’ve had a stroke & don’t have a lot of feeling on my left side. In a case like mine, would it be recommended for me to use it on my right side instead of my left?
Thank you.
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Hi — I think it would do more for the pain on your right side than for your neck/head pain, which isn’t to say it won’t also help your head pain. I also have headaches caused by my two cervical fusions, and while the Quell helps those, it tends to work better closer to the source of the electrodes. So, lower back rather than upper back, for instance. They do offer a lengthy trial period, though. You can try it out and see if you like it? Good luck!
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Will Quell help with Padgets Disease and neuropothy
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The Paget’s Disease side of this would be a question for the Quell care team, but I feel like bone pain would fall under the device’s domain. Neuropathy, it will definitely help. I have peripheral neuropathy in my arms and legs, and it helps tremendously. 🙂
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I have pain from back problems that radiates down my entire leg and foot. Also post stroke pain from a stroke 18 months ago and was just diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, especially in my feet. Most prescription meds make me nauseous so I don’t use them. I was surprised and disappointed to find out that the Quell also makes me nauseous and gives me a headache.. The Quell care team told me they have had similar complaints but that could eventually go away. Has anyone had this experience and, if it has gone away, how long did it take?
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Did they have any idea why? I am super curious about that and I’m sad it didn’t work for you. I’ve really never thought about my nausea and headaches because they preceded my Quell use… Did you have those symptoms beforehand and the Quell made them worse, or did those come specifically once you’d used it?
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I ordered a Quell Starter kit and received it yesterday. I read that I should not use it if I have any metallic material in my body. I have titanium rods in my spine due to scoliosis surgery. Is there any danger in me using the Quell device? Thank you, Betsy (Betty)
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Oh my God, Betty, somehow this comment didn’t get approved. I’m so sorry!! I still use the Quell with my neck implant, but I’m honestly not sure what they’re made of. Given that they gave me a card for metal detectors, I’m assuming there’s some metal in there. I’d ask the care team at Quell, they’d be able to answer better than I can, but it’s never been a problem for me. So sorry again for missing this!! ❤
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Quell is contraindicated for implanted electronic devices such as a pacemaker. Metallic implants should not be an issue.
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