@hmcski To answer your question about possible permanent damage... in a word, yes. When nerves are compressed long enough or with a lot of pressure, they can die and dissolve. That is like someone cutting wires out of the middle of a cable, so it no longer transmits electricity through the damaged section. This can happen to the spinal cord, and MRIs may show whitish areas of permanent damage called myelomylacia. Radiculopathy is compression of a spinal nerve. If nerves are decompressed with surgery, they can heal slowly if the damage is not too great. The problem is that it's hard to know exactly when the point of no return happens. There is also the possibility that another injury when you're already compromised could make this so much worse.

I understand hesitancy, and rushing into surgery isn't usually a good idea. Take the time now to explore what your options are, so if you get worse, you are ready to make a decision on your care. When nerves are damaged and die, the muscle they serve starts to wither away and you loose strength and function. Recoveries are better when nerve compression is addressed early. I have had spinal cord compression and surgery to free my spinal cord and fuse C5/C6. I had a great recovery and reclaimed the coordination in my arms that had been lost. I do think I've lost some strength, but I also have thoracic outlet syndrome which causes compression of nerves/vessels in the shoulder.