Why is Tramadol not working for my back pain?

Maybe the "8%" theory has some substance,. but if we consider that 100% of pple who take it expect pain relief, then it makes little sense.|
My proposal is that it it elevates mood, which can indirectly mask pain,.
In as much that it is not a 'true' opioid, - chemically, then that may make a little sense.
My view is that it shld be classed as an anti depressant for the 92% who don't benefit from actual pain relief.
I take 50 mg once every 2 days, to relieve depression.
There was one occasion when I broke a cpl of ribs whilst camping in the bush, and found that 3 x 50 Mg tabs had absolutely no effect on the pain.

I know this is an old post and I'm not a professional on the subject, but with that disclaimer said, I was speaking to a Dr today in general conversation while I was there for something else and he said there's probably about 8% of people tramadol doesn't work because tramadol it self doesn't do anything. It needs to react with another chemical the body naturally produces (unfortunately I can't remember the name of that chemical as most medical names are hard to remember

tramadol don't work for everyone with chronic pain , it doesn't work for me either.

Because I am still walking on my hands and knees to get around the house

Whoever said that Tramadol is not a narcotic is dead wrong! I had to sign a narcotics waiver with my doctor because this Rx cannot be called-in to the pharmacy. Tramadol does work and can be safely taken with 800mg Ibuprofen. Don't take the Ibuprofen more than twice a day as it could lead to other health problems which I am dealing with right now. I hope you find the right pain meds that work for you. Good Luck to you.
Wings1969

I have been taking tramadol with 2 extra strength tylenol for about 5 years now. This is the same as ultram but with a little higher does of acetaminaphin. I take it for back pain. I guess I am an odd duck according to these postings. It definatley helps the pain. Not nerve pain mind you but muscle pain caused by back issues. Nerve pain will NOT be helped by this drug. Tramadol actually wakes me up I feel fine and alert after I take it. If I go a few days without taking it, I don't feel any withdrawal symptoms but I surely feel my back pain. No headaches no shakes just more ouch in my arthritic joints and back. I take it once in the morning and it lasts 12 hours. By the time evening comes around, I am resting anyway. If I know I will be out later doing things I may take one or two more depending on what it is. I have asked my doctor about addiction effects and I answer no to all the questions that would point to addiction. I have purposely taken myself off periodically to be sure and I don't feel like I HAVE TO take it.

Tramadol, dangerous...
Hello, I too have been given tramadol by two different doctors. Both of which are new to me but both had my drug list. I recently went to my pain managenent doctor and he was so upset. He told me I could have died. He told me it causes a common syndrome and high fever and death if you are on Cymbalta. Both doctors knew I was on that med. I see one next week and I will address that with him. It did nothing for me and I was doubling it. I was given 50mg and was taking 100mg at a time because the pain of my fibro and myofascial pain syndrome was unbearable and that is the only med docs will give for chonic pain around here. I was desperate. Please dont double your med ever. And my side effects were terrible. Shakes, numbness, shocks in arms and hands. Confusion and many more. Please check other drugs with doc to to see if there is an interaction with them. And everyone I know, it never helped. Hope this helps you.

In my experience its a horrible medication the doctors and hospitals think is great. Side effects/ withdrawals/ lack of pain relief. I could go on, but its absolutley a waste to even write. Just my opinion. Good luck and be careful. Darvocet isn't that strong but is for sure better than Trams.

I took Tramadol for years & recently weaned off of it, which was not at all fun. I was on the max 400mg dose at one time. Now that I'm off it completely my pain is about the same as when I was on it, so I don't think after all those years of taking it it really did me any good? Perhaps the same for you? I also take 5mg oxycodone and it seems to work better on it's own than the combination. I don't think I'd ever use this med again.

I take 300 er tramadol for a year it doesnt do anything for me without taking pain pills Im now being taking off this slowly what is to replace this I have no clue

Since both Darvo and Tram are the SAME drug (Though some Darvo is compounded slightly differently, there should be little to no difference. You need to check with your doc and see what might be causing this loss of effect. (strength,oxy or hydro base, etc.)