6 Doctor-Recommended Remedies for Back Pain

A New Mattress

Try it when: You ache every single morning

How it works: After eight or nine years, a mattress can start to provide less support, which may lead to back pain. “People who suffer from constant backaches often find relief by getting a new mattress,” says Todd Sinett, a New York City chiropractor and a coauthor of The Truth About Back Pain ($15, amazon.com).

Good to know: Contrary to popular belief, a firmer mattress isn’t necessarily better. Research shows that medium tension is best. Beware of those that are advertised as “orthopedic” or “doctor approved.” There is no regulation for these claims. Chances are you’ll just pay a heftier price than you would for a regular mattress.