Quell by NeuroMetrix is one of the more impressive wearables we discovered at CES. It is a non-invasive neurostimulation technology (TENS) intended to provide chronic pain relief. Its developers list diabetes, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and knee osteoarthritis as conditions causing pain that can be relieved by the device.
Quell is worn beneath the knee, irrespective of where the pain in one’s body is felt. Electrodes stimulate the release of the body’s pain relieving opiates. Sensory nerves send neural pulses to the brain that trigger the release of endogenous opioids, the pain relief response that blocks pain signals in the spine. The device has been approved by the FDA to be worn any time of the day or night, even while sleeping, and does not require a prescription. Users can also track their pain therapy with their smartphone.
Non drug, non invasive therapy to relieve pain can make a difference in many lives. Quell has created an easy to wear device and a simple app to, hopefully, make this possible.