The majority of adults can use this drug without any precautions. There are dosage restrictions depending on age and various medical conditions but, of all the painkillers, Tramadol causes the fewest side effects and, unlike the opiates, is not addictive.

• Check Tramadol medical guidance

How does Tramadol work? What chemical processes are involved so we can feel less pain and move around more freely? What makes Tramadol so effective? Learn now …

Every drug has advantages and disadvantages. Do we take too many painkillers like Tramadol? What are the alternatives to Tramadol? Learn now

Q: What is pain?

A: This is a message to the brain telling you that a part of the body has been damaged in some way. It is a very useful warning. The system would be improved if you could switch the pain off after treatment.

Q: What is acute pain?

A: This is a reference to the time you are likely to feel the pain. If the injury or disorder will heal quickly, this is called an acute injury. Because you know you will recover quite quickly, you can take a higher dosage of Tramadol to keep the pain under control. Psychologically, it is also easier to bear this pain because you know it is only temporary.

Q: What is chronic pain?

A: This has nothing to do with the severity of the pain. It again refers to time, telling us the pain will be continuous over a long period. Psychologically, this is more difficult to accept and people with chronic pain can feel depressed. Because of the risk of dependence, you must keep the dosage of Tramadol to the minimum possible.

Q: What is nociceptive pain?

A: If the nervous system is working properly, it will tell the brain exactly which part of the body has been injured or damaged. The most obvious examples are a wound or a broken bone. The pain receptors spread around your body will give you a very precise location. This makes the injuries easier to identify and treat.

Q: What is neuropathic pain?

A: This is pain generated by a disorder in the nervous system. There is no obvious injury but the pain messages continue to come. The causes of this type of pain are difficult to treat. Our understanding of the nervous system is not yet complete and we have no way of repairing damaged nerves. The only form of treatment aims to calm the mind, ease the body and control the pain. Although this is a physical and not a mental illness, it can be useful to take a mild antidepressant. Massage and physical therapy can improve mobility and reduce pain. Tramadol works in the brain where the pain messages are received.

Q: Why is Tramadol consistently effective?

A: This drug passes through the blood/brain barrier and acts on the levels of chemicals inside the brain. Tramadol therefore works to reduce or eliminate the consciousness of pain. The body may still be damaged, but you will have no positive awareness of it.