I also use tramadol. I've been taking it for a few years now. I think it works fairly well. It may not relieve the pain completely but it does take the edge off. I have 100mgs four times a day prescribed but don't even come close to that. I take maybe 100mgs per day. On really bad pain days I may increase the dose.

The only s/e I have from it is the occasional stomach upset. It doesn't happen often though and doesn't last long when it does occur.