OT: Quell Pain Relief

[squid13]

Has anybody on the forum used the Quell for pain relief and if so how did it do?

[Miss Emerita]

Bump. I’m hoping someone has had some experience with this!

[LeonardoDR]

No. It sounds interesting/promising. If you try it, you should post how it works out for you ...

Good luck!

[Gryhnd]

I used Quell two years ago. I have back issues and Quell was recommended by a friend of mine who had one and said it improved her pain level. I used it, along with exercise and was pleased with the results. I normally have an injection in my back every three or four months...but had a stroke 12/31/18 and did not have an injection again until 11/19 as was having pain again. I had forgotten about my Quell unit, got it out today and charged it up and am using it. Will let you know in a couple of days if it again helps. I have had it on for two cycles, and my pain has already gotten less!

[squid13]

Be sure to keep us informed.

[zonker]

I used Quell two years ago. I have back issues and Quell was recommended by a friend of mine who had one and said it improved her pain level. I used it, along with exercise and was pleased with the results. I normally have an injection in my back every three or four months...but had a stroke 12/31/18 and did not have an injection again until 11/19 as was having pain again. I had forgotten about my Quell unit, got it out today and charged it up and am using it. Will let you know in a couple of days if it again helps. I have had it on for two cycles, and my pain has already gotten less!

i just googled "quell pain relief" and there seem to be different models, judging from the prices of them.

which one did you use/are using?

[Gryhnd]

I have a NeuroMetrix Quell QE-SYR. It is several years old, so they may have newer models. It is basically the same principle as a TENS unit. It does take time to figure out what adjustments fit your needs...like CPAP!

[zonker]

I have a NeuroMetrix Quell QE-SYR. It is several years old, so they may have newer models. It is basically the same principle as a TENS unit. It does take time to figure out what adjustments fit your needs...like CPAP!

thanks. not sure if i want to try one out or not. i don't have what you would call debilitating pain, by any means. but i do have enough alight pain in my lower back (from time to time) which causes me to sleep on my back. that, of course, raises my obstructive events.

i'm just mildly curious to see if this unit would help, in the end, to keep me off my back.

[squid13]

Quell has a trial period and if not satisfied you can get your money back.

[chunkyfrog]

It appears to be yet another brand of transdermal electrical stimulation.
If it works, tell your nearest narco-pushing sawbones.
Too many of them prefer dope . . .

[zonker]

Quell has a trial period and if not satisfied you can get your money back.

good to know!

let's see if we get more replies from people who have used it.

[jagzoo]

I tried it a couple of years ago. Unfortunately it didn’t help my knee pain. However it was easy to return during the trial period.

[sptrout]

Since my wife and I have been Quell users for since their beginning I thought that I would offer some of our (really my) experiences with Quell. We both suffer from chronic pain, but for totally different reasons; for me, it is my messed-up back, and for my wife, it is because of her having multiple autoimmune problems.

As mentioned above, we have been using Quells for years; since the introduction of what is now called "Quell 1.0". When "Quell 2.0" was introduced a couple of years ago I immediately bought that device since there are many improvements over 1.0. Details:

1. Quell is an FS-HF-TENS device. Also known as "Fixed Site, High Frequency, TENS". Being "fixed-site" is one of the big differences between a Quell and a standard OTC or Rx TENS. A Quell' s location has nothing to do with the location of an user's pain location. It must be mounted in one of four locations; below either knee or just above either knee (not the preferred location). As I understand it, the Quell's location is just above specific nerves that will be simulated and then these nerves will hit opiate receptors in the brain that can block the pain from most locations (not for headaches for example). Quell 1.0 was electrically identical to a prescription-only version called a SENSUS if I am remembering that name correctly. The only difference was in the packaging (the Quell looks a lot better). I do not know if the Rx version is still available or not. Since Quell 1.0 was electrically identical to the Rx version, according to the manufacturer the FDA quickly approved the Quell for OTC sale.
2. Quell 2.0 (current model) is very different from the first version. It is about 50% smaller (less battery capacity as far as I can tell), stronger output; well over 100 volts, a new processor (I think), and it is entirely controlled by the users IOS or Android phone via Bluetooth. Therefore, a user must have a "smart" device of some kind to be able to use Quell 2.0.
3. Both versions of Quells are the only FDA approved TENS devices that can be used 24x7. Quell automatically changes its output mode when a user gets into bed or the user can change the operating mode to "sleep mode" by making the change in the App. We have never used our Quells during sleep times so I cannot comment more about how that function works. This should be a clue to anyone that has pain around the clock that the Quell may be a big help.
4. The Quell attaches (snaps) directly to the electro band that wraps around the user's leg. This type of mounting is similar to the OTC TENS that you can find at about any drugstore.
5. The Quell is the most powerful TENS on the OTC market and likely (IMO) as strong or stronger than Rx devices. As previously mentioned, it can be adjusted to well over 100 volts. The high voltage may be required if it takes the power to penetrate down to the nerves.

A good place to look for a lot of technical details is at the web site below. Also located there are many published "studies".

https://www.quellrelief.com/the-science-behind-quell/

Now, how well have the Quells worked for us? Well, that is a mixed bag. After using a Quell (both versions) I still cannot say that they have helped me. However, my pain is so variable both in level (0-10) and location, it is hard to know if it is helping or not. When I have it on I can only hope that it is helping, but I cannot say that it has ever "blocked" my pain. I have used my Quells much, much more than my wife. She only put her's on when her pain level reaches very high, which is not when you are supposed to use any pain reduction method (treat before the pain starts not after). I do not think that the Quells have helped her either, but she is hard to read.

My recommendation: Anyone that suffers from chronic pain should at least give Quell a try. It may help and has no side effects. Also, if you experience pain while trying to sleep, then really give it a go. Nothing is worse than not being able to sleep due to pain.

If anyone has questions please ask.