Harry,
Know EXACTLY how you feel, and what you're talking about.
Recently came across a fantastic product that works wonders for me.
It's the size of an ordinary postal envelope, and contains chemicals of some
weird description, whatever.
What's important to you and me, is this stuff once exposed to oxygen via air
it reacts and gives off "HEAT" for 12 HRS.
The idea is to attach these envelopes onto your thermal directly over the
spot where the pain is most severe, and it works like a treat, (for me at
any rate) much like a hot water bottle of the days of old, yet remains hot
for the entire night and is not half as bulky or messy, at $2 bucks each,
they're even cost effective.
When at first introduced to these things, didn't think much of them, however
after spending one night in the bush with one attached to my back, was won
over completely.
If you'd like to try these things, give me a note and I'll steer you in the
right direction.
They're a darn sight more economical and easier to handle then a mattress.
Regards,
Eddy.