Orthopedics is the field of medicine that deals with injuries or deformities affecting bones, ligaments, and muscles. It is a field that specializes in the skeletal system of the human body. Pillows that are used as corrective or preventive aids for diseases pertaining to the neck or spinal chord are called orthopedic pillows.
Pillows used for orthopedic treatment are designed in such a fashion that they give support to both, the neck and the back. Temperature sensitive foam pillows mold to the body by interacting with body heat. Visco-elastic memory foam was developed by NASA for astronauts traveling in space shuttles to relieve neck stress caused by G-force during take off.
Orthopedic pillows are mostly made out of foam or fiber. Foam pillows are used with the objective of achieving cervical support especially when the person is sleeping on his back. Fiber pillows are beneficial for people who sleep on their sides. Fiber pillows are similar to traditional pillows in looks. People sleeping both ways can ideally use tri core pillows that are versatile.
Rippled pillows are used for allowing air to circulate around the neck and for a soothing effect. Two lobed pillows provide support to the neck and allow the neck to relax.
Foam pillows that have resilient features customize themselves to the size of the head. This is of great therapeutic value. Foam pillows have a soft cover that is removable. Memory foam is of a harder type and it provides better support to the neck. Such pillows reduce stress and pressure caused to the neck by ordinary pillows. It is however necessary to consult an orthopedic specialist before purchasing an orthopedic pillow. Pillows have to be carefully selected by people suffering from cervical or spinal diseases. It is not possible to get an orthopedic pillow exchanged due to hygiene reasons.