I have a bad back, so I need a firm mattress.  But sleeping on it causes fairly severe pain in all the pressure points (ribs, shoulders, hips, back).  I tried putting a softer mattress pad on top, but then it doesnt support my back properly.  This has been a problem for years, and appears to be growing worse as I get older (now 56).  What would cause such severe sensitivity to pressure and/or what kind of doctor should I see about the problem?  Thank you.
Hi, According to me, you should consult musculoskeletal and rheumatologist both. Because you have a chronic problem, so the cause should be found if it is muscular, a bony problem like osteoporosis or related to joints like Rheumatoid arthritis or Ankylosing spondylitis. You need to get X-Ray Blood investigation and proper history to know.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.