OT: Mattresses for people with back problems, Anyone out there? Options

[Qarl]

I have chronic lower/mid back problems due to degenerative disc disease.

I also sleep on my stomach, which is bad for people with back problems, but I can't help it.

I am looking for a king mattress that will be good for my back pain and will either...

1) allow me to sleep on my stomach and help with my back
2) make me comfortable enough to fall asleep on my back while giving me some support

THere are a lot of choices out there...

1) Traditional mattress (firm, soft, or pillow top)
2) Swedish Tempur-pedic mattress
3) Craftmatic adjustable bed
4) Air matress (Select Comfort or Comforaire)
5) Latex mattresses

Does anyone have any personal experience similar to mine that found a good solution. Cost really isn't an issue, so if I need to spend big $$$$ on a mattress, I will.

Thanks!

[Qarl]

Yes... I see a orthopedic surgeon regarding my back. I did PT for a while too. I need to get back on the stretching exercises. I am bad about that.

I do massages sometimes. My masseus is blind, which is sort of interesting. She can really "see" what's happening with me just by her hands.

I do keep a pillow behind me in my compute chair.

My big problem is... sleeping on my stomach and watching TV in bed with a pillow propped up behind my neck, and sitting for a long period of time at my computer at work.

I am hoping that the by getting some help for my back at night, I can relieve 50% of the problem.

Also, there is no "cure" for degenerative disc disease. It will slowly go away with time. Surgery is a last resort.

This weekend I worked on the car parts, but didn't lift anything. I did, however, spend a good amount of time bent over glueing vinyl to the dash, and when I finally stood up, my back was almost woudln't straighten out. I think that pushed me over the edge.

The last 2 days have been almost unbearable. I was in so much pain yesterday, I was totally nauseous and felt like I was going to pass out. It took 3 ibuprofens just so I could sit in a chair. This evening is just as bad, and I had to whip out the darvocet.