As someone who regularly uses vicodin for back pain, will tramadol have the same effect?

Maybe : You would know only once you try it. I have used tramadol with much better success compared to vicodin, so i think it is a good move.

Yes, but...: Taking nsaids is more rational. ANS if you are male, tramadol, like any other narcotic will diminish testosterone production.

Depends on patient &: Cause of back pain. Vicodin is only analgesic; it has no anti-inflammatory component; it's a narcotic + tylenol (acetaminophen). Tramadol is narcotic-like pain reliever but also has no component against inflammation. People react differently to pain & to meds to relieve it: what works for one doesn't for another. Vicoprofen has both narcotic and antiinflammatory pain relievers.