Up to 85% of the general population will experience low-back pain at some point in their lives. Low-back pain is a major cause of pain, disability, and cost to individuals, their families, and to society in general.

In most cases, the pain eases within four to six weeks and individuals are able to return to their normal activities. However, by some estimates, in up to 30% of the cases, the pain will persist for up to a year or longer.

There are different types of medications used to treat low-back pain. During the acute phase, medications work to lessen pain and inflammation. A physician discusses many of the commonly prescribed drugs in detail, even considering the cost.

Opioids have been used for centuries to relieve pain. Those opioids that are derived from the seedpod of the poppy plant (papaver somniferum) are referred to as opiates. Morphine and codeine are commonly known opiates derived from opium. Other opioids include synthetics such as meperidine (Demerol) and chemicals naturally found in the body, such as endorphin.

Opioids are used to relieve pain in a growing number of conditions, including the treatment of chronic low-back pain. They are pain relievers that act on the central nervous system. There have been studies that, those people receiving Tramadol, an atypical weak opioid, reported more pain relief and less difficulty performing their daily activities in the short-term than those who received other medication or placebo.

Tramadol is available in both injectable (intravenous and/or intramuscular) and oral preparations. It is usually marketed as the hydrochloride salt (tramadol hydrochloride), which is associated with the brand name Ultram in the United States. It is also available in conjunction with acetaminophen as Ultracet.

Dosages vary depending on the degree of pain experienced by the patient. Tramadol is approximately 10% as potent as morphine, when given by the IV/IM route. Oral doses range from 50 to 400 mg daily, with up to 600 mg daily when given IV/IM.

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions are nausea, vomiting and sweating. Drowsiness is reported, although it is less of an issue compared to other opioids. Respiratory depression, a common side effect of most opioids, is not clinically significant in normal doses. By itself, it does not increase the seizure threshold, though it may do if used in combination with SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or in patients with epilepsy.

Unlike most other opioids, Tramadol is not considered a controlled substance in many countries such as US, Canada and Australia. One can buy Tramadol online even without prescription. Some pharmacy sites offer cheap and discounted Tramadol online. The medicine is for pain that lasts for more than a few days. The medicine is not for use on an as needed basis.