"i had a cervical (neck) fusion about 20 years ago then in 2004 had a road traffic accident fracturing 3 of my lower spine traverse processes. the accident exacerbated the old neck problems. could get through the day, but began to dread bedtime because i knew i would be sleepless and in pain. i tried everything. ibuprofen, diclofenic, cocktails of paracetamol/co-codomol. even getting up at 3am for another dose.  i now take a 100mg tramadol each night, and it seems to be working. i get a decent nights sleep, but am worried about getting hooked on it."