Extension is essentially the act of looking upwards. If extension or bending the head backwards causes the hand to go numb- you need a thicker pillow. Some pillows that are “designed” for proper neck position actually can cause problems as these pillows are manufactured for “normal necks”. If there is stenosis or narrowing of the nerve exit foramen (see foraminal stenosis on website), relief is gained by flexing the neck (chin toward chest) and that can occur with a thicker pillow.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
