Miss Understood: Vibrant Trial

(Editor’s note:  Several weeks ago we were contacted by a sales representative for Neurovative Technologies, a Canadian manufacturer of medical devices that use vibration to relieve chronic pain. These “Vibrant” devices sell for about $300 each and, we were told, “have been able to decrease pain and stiffness and increase range of motion in 95% of our OA, RA and Fibromyalgia patients.” The company was invited and agreed to provide a Vibrant device for back pain at no cost to PNN columnist Arlene Grau for a test run. Arlene suffers from fibromylagia and rheumatoid arthritis.)

By Arlene Grau, Columnist

There are many people who suffer the same pain day in and day out with little to no relief from medication, acupuncture, medical devices, etc. My pain begins in my back and spreads throughout my body. Recently, I was asked to give a drug free and non-invasive device called Vibrant a try to see if it helped with some of the pain I was suffering from. I received the device that is designed for back pain management.

During my time using the device, which was about two weeks, I have found that there is no change in my pain level or relief for my back pain.

The device is recommended for use in 16 minute sessions.  It can be used as many times as you'd like during the day, however it is not recommended that anyone use it for an extended period of time all at once.

It is extremely easy to use. You just push the “on” button and it does all the work. It also comes with a charger and backpack for storing or carrying, which I thought was pretty neat.

The Vibrant device reminded me of a massage chair, but I kept wanting to raise the level of intensity and couldn't because it doesn't come with that feature.

It did however help relieve minor aches and pains related to everyday life. My husband even tried it and said that he found it to be relaxing.

I also have a TENS unit which was prescribed by my pain management doctor and I feel like I get a lot more relief from that than the Vibrant device. As far as being able to target my pain and getting deep down into the problem areas, I feel like the Vibrant device fell short.

It's possible that it's meant for smaller aches and pains, but as far as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia patients go, there really are no minor pains related to our diseases.

Arlene Grau lives in southern California. She suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, migraine, vasculitis, and Sjogren’s disease.

The information in this column should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only and represent the author’s opinions alone. It does not inherently express or reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Pain News Network.