Tramadol is a prescription medication primarily used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is an opioid analgesic, meaning it works similarly to natural opioids like morphine but with some unique properties. Tramadol is commonly prescribed to relieve various types of pain, including acute pain following surgery or injury, as well as chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting the transmission of pain signals and altering the perception of pain.