I have been on tramadol for a long time. It's over rated as far as I'm concerned. I think you would be better off with something that is a muscle relaxor. Tramadol does not do a sufficient job in masking the pain, but has given me no side affects. That being said it's better than nothing. Like anything else there may be initial side effects as your body adjusts to it.
I have heard alot of positive reports from people on Valium.