The following article about using Quell for fibromyalgia pain was originally published on NationalPainReport.com. It is being republished here with permission from the editor. This post may contain affiliate links.
Quell for fibromyalgia pain
Since my fibromyalgia diagnosis, I’ve tried so many drugs, supplements and other products in an attempt to find something to dull the pain. I’ve found a few things that help with modest success. Even prescription pain relievers haven’t worked for me, although I admit my experience with them has been limited.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to review the Quell wearable pain relief device through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. You may have seen the commercials for Quell on TV or had an ad show up in your Facebook feed. Quell is a small, rectangular device that’s worn an inch or two below the knee. It simulates a cluster of sensory nerve fibers in that area and triggers the body’s natural pain blockers. Unlike TENS units, I do not have to apply the device to the area of the body where I’m feeling pain. (Click here to learn more about how Quell works.)
Quell is used for the relief of nerve, arthritic/joint, leg/foot, lower back and widespread pain. In a clinical study, which included fibromyalgia patients, 81 percent reported an improvement in chronic pain and 67 percent were able to reduce their medications.
I’ve wasted thousands of dollars on doctors and products that don’t really work, so I was skeptical of Quell’s claims. How in the heck was a black box strapped on my leg going to do anything for pain? Well, I’ve been using my Quell device since April, and it is now my No. 1, go-to tool for pain relief. I love it so much that I talk it up to anyone who suffers from fibromyalgia pain, and I wanted to share it with my readers here at National Pain Report, too!
One of the things that’s impressed me the most about Quell is how fast it works. Unlike pharmaceuticals and supplements, Quell doesn’t have to build up in the body. The first time I used it, I felt less pain within a couple of hours. Now that I use it regularly, it gives relief within a few minutes.
Quell is not a miracle device. It doesn’t kill my pain entirely, but it does reduce my pain levels, so I’m better able to function. My day-to-day pain level (using this scale) generally hovers between 3-6. With Quell, I have more days in the 2-4 range. I’ll take that improvement!
One of my favorite times to use my Quell is while grocery shopping and running errands. I dread doing these tasks because they increase my pain and fatigue. I typically collapse on the sofa after I get home from buying groceries, but now that I wear my Quell, I’m usually able to stay out longer, and I’m not as exhausted or in as much pain when the shopping trip is over. The Quell extends my functionality by an extra hour or so. Even my husband has noticed my endurance is getting better.
I tend to take a more natural approach to treatment, so I like that Quell is 100 percent drug free. There are no side effects.
Another nice feature of Quell is that it can be worn while sleeping. I frequently use it at night when I wake up and can’t get back to sleep because I’m in pain. It cuts the pain enough for me to fall asleep.
Of course, like every other fibromyalgia treatment, it’s not perfect. Nothing is! My pain level increases dramatically when it rains or storms. Quell has no effect on my weather-related pain. I can’t seem to find anything to help with that.
When the Quell is giving a treatment, it causes a mild vibration against the skin. Occasionally, this vibration becomes too intense, and it feels like it’s stinging my leg. There’s a button on the device that I push to lessen the sensation.
And of course, the biggest downside is probably the cost. At $249, the Quell device is an investment, and it’s not covered by health insurance. Fortunately, NeuroMetrix, Quell’s maker, offers a 60-day return policy. That makes it easier to stomach the expense. If it doesn’t work, it’s returnable.
There are ongoing costs associated with Quell. The sticky electrodes that help hold the device on the skin have to be replaced. With everyday use, it costs around $30 a month for replacement electrodes.
Over the past few months, the band on my Quell has become stretched due to normal wear and tear. I’ll need to replace my band a couple of times a year at a cost of around $25 each time.
Still, the costs are worth the freedom Quell gives me. If my Quell dies tomorrow, I will have another one ordered by the end of the day. It’s that good!
And that’s why I want to tell everyone in the fibromyalgia community about it. We all know there are no magical cures for fibro, but this little device is the best thing I’ve found so far for managing the pain of fibromyalgia.
You can learn more about Quell by visiting QuellRelief.com.
Have you tried Quell? Did it help? I’d love for you to share your experience in the comments section!
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I tried it consistently just like they instructed. After 5 weeks and consulting them I sent it back. It seem to increase my sciatic pain in my legs and did nothing for my fibro. The company has been great to work with. I am currently waiting for my refund. It was through this site I found our about it. I’m glad I tried it and very disappointed it did not work.
I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you. I wish we could find something that helps everyone. It’s so weird how we’re variable on what helps and what doesn’t.
About the stretched band: the same thing happened to me after a few weeks. I called the company and they sent me a new band for free and then told me how to fix the stretched band and it worked.
Thanks for the tip!
I need to try this! Sounds like a possibility for me. Enjoyed reading about your experience with this. Thank you!
5 weeks 8+ hours/day consistent use did nothing. Also unable to use compression socks with it. Dissappointed, BUT I’d still recommend everyone give it a try. Nothing to lose and less pain makes it worth a try. Convenient to use, and I liked using the app. One suggestion for manufacturer…show the level of therapy in the app.
Nice to have money !!
Too bad the price is high… 😫 its my whOle foodbudget for one month!! Plus all the extra little bits needed….so impossible when you’re on sickpension (not working)
I would like to try it but that’s a bit pricey for me considering I am finding it difficult to work many hours.
Is this anything like a TENS unit? I had TENS unit but it made me feel bruised and like someone beat me with a bat the next day. I also have some bulging discs that I just found out about, in my neck. Do you think it would help with that as well? It would be AWESOME to get off pain meds and some of my other meds. I’ve been on just about every pain medication there is and none of the Fibro meds help unfortunately. I’ve had pain for 13 years from Fibro, beginning when I was 20. I went to sleep feeling normal and awoke the next day with this. Thanks for the review! I love your blog!
It’s better than a TENS b/c it provides all over pain relief. A TENS only works on the area where it’s attached. I’m not sure re: your questions about bulging discs. I would go to their website b/c I think they have sections on back/neck pain and how it works for those.
Heather, it is weird that you went to sleep and woke up with it. I have heard of that happening with pmr or polymyalgia rhumatica, but it usually hits elderly people, but it would be worth asking your dr. The treatment for pmr is prednisone at a fairly high dose and then getting it down to the lowest dose possible that works for you. A family member has this and is down to 1mg a day, which is very low dose and it keeps it at bay.
I tired the Quell and was disappointed as it did not help my FM at all. However, I had no trouble receiving a refund as advertised so I believe it was worth the try.
i’m new to your newsletter. but i am looking for more information for relief from fatigue. will you be posting that anytime soon?
I do have some posts planned after the first of the year.
Does not work for everyone with FM, unfortunately, no effect for me despite a 60 day intensive trial. Very disappointing. Good company, tho.
I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. You’re absolutely right … what works for one of us doesn’t necessarily work for all of us. That is one of the most frustrating things about fibromyalgia.
This is encouraging! I’m glad to hear it’s so effective! I’ve tried a TENS Unit , and I didn’t feel it really reduced my pain; just vibrated the area it was stuck to, but it sounds like this device has a different mode of action. Definitely something to look into!