@dbethel1 I apologize for not seeing your post. I can find replies much easier if you tag me with my name like I did here on your post.

If a nerve is damaged and not functioning or dead can be tested by a neurologist who does nerve conduction studies. It is hard to determine when and if a nerve will die from compression. That can cut off the blood supply to the nerve. Mainly, I think you would be judged on the functioning of your body and muscles, etc and if there are any deficits as well as by where you are feeling pain. It's probably best to consult a spine surgeon because typically they have a neurologist they like to refer patients to for testing and evaluation.