"i&#039;ve been on tramadol for about 2 years after a car accident for severe upper back &amp; neck muscle pain.   it has helped me for the burning pain, but not at all for sharp pains.   overall i think it is more effective than the oxycodone/apap that i&#039;ve taken.   i also take it without food and my stomach never hurt.  it works almost exactly an hour after taking, and for me it controls the burning pain for about 4-6 hours.  i take 100 mg. at a time - i&#039;ve found that only taking 50 mg. at a time doesn&#039;t work."