I have chronic back pain - had surgery 6 years ago- have things between disks and a metal cage, and last winter got the back stimulator. I have tried tramadol in pill form, and it made me very sick to my stomach, especially if I had to ride in a car- dry heaves, sweating, etc. I tried just using it when real bad, and I just stay home, but had to stay laying down the whole time. The stimulator is helping about 50% of the pain - still take Motrin about twice a day, and 2 pills of gabapentin. Gabapentin was the most helpful while I waited to get the stimulator, and I don't have any problems taking it, except sleepy. So many things I need or want to do, so I keep pushing the boundaries and of course pay for it with more pain. When it gets bad enough I learn to sit still. I have other health things, but this has been going on for about 15 years. I wish you well.