Well, FWIW, I have almost every pathology possible in my lumbar spine - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, degeneraive discs and arthritis everywhere. My surgeon says my lumbar spine is held together by a very strong set of core muscles - even at 70, I'm in the gym everyday.

As for mattresses - I have used a TempurPedic Firm mattress for as long as I can remember. they are pricey, but I spend at least a third of my life on one, so it's a worthwhile investment. And I wake up pain free every morning.

There are a lot of choices available now and I'd shop around and look for other input.