I have just gone through 6 weeks of back pain, probably from lying on an operating table for 5 hours. Went to my local osteopath and he did some “dry needling”, not acupuncture, and applied kinetic tape. 3 sessions and great improvement. Also “walking” in swimming pool with feet off the floor and very gentle yoga. Brufen 500mgs every 8 hours. Do not cold turkey of the tramadol but reduce very slowly. Ask this doctor, who sounds excellently sensible, to advise on best way to do it. Trust you are doing heavy lifting with bent knees and not bent back. Good luck