I have been on tramadol for about 20 years also. Taking 2-3 daily all the time, sometimes up to 4. I do go into withdrawal if I forget the morning dose, by mid afternoon I don’t feel well, nausea, fatigue, aching all over, then take a tramadol and it goes away. I, also, take hydrocodone/apap 6-8 tabs over a week, sometimes days none, other days 2-3 tabs. If you have been taking tramadol for ongoing pain I wouldn’t worry about continuing to take it. I, also, use ice packs, heating pad, massager, stretches.