Tramadol worked for me too, for about a year. Now I use Oxicodone and Oxicontin. I am never without pain though. A tens unit did not help me at all. I even did a spinal cord stimulator trial, which did not work either. Everyone is different, so you'll have to find the right balance for you. I agree with JNINE...your construction work cannot be good for you and will likely cause your syrinx to grow!