Patients with similar clinical characteristics (i.e. the same pain syndrome) were grouped in pairs and then randomly assigned using a computer program to treatment with either placebo or tramadol.

Doctors welcomed the reduction in the use of tramadol ... if the side effects are worth the relief," she said. Tracey now facilitates a Versus Arthritis pain support group.

The absence of significant differential effects of tramadol and placebo ... specific mechanisms of neuropathic pain in individual patients so that specific treatment or rational combinations ...