Medical apparatus (1) for the relief, treatment and/or prevention of neck or back pain comprises a fluid inflatable support pillow (2) and an inflation device (3) connected to the pillow (2). The pillow (2) is adapted for interpositioning between a patient's head and a head rest (24) and supports the neck (23) and sides of the patient's head. The inflation device (3) includes a pump (4) and control means, such as a timer, for controlling the inflation and the deflation of the pillow (2) through a repetitive cycle utilising two fluid inputs to the volumes of the pillow. Such movement of the patient's occiput (22) gently moves the patient's neck (23) to alleviate or prevent pain.