Can I be causing permanent damage by avoiding surgery for my pinched nerve?

This is an interesting question. Some more background information is required before a specific answer can be given, however. Cervical radiculopathy tends to indicate that there is true compression of the spinal cord or nerve root/s which will cause a pain or sensory disturbance in the related nerve roots. (Whereas a referral pattern does not always indicate specifically nerve or spinal cord compression). This path of disturbance is relatively easy to trace and identify. Hypothetically, an MRI or CT Scan should have been, or should be, performed to confirm compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots from either a disc injury, degenerative compression or other definitive pathology to explain the radiculopathy.
Essentially, if the compression is significant and there is a notable decrease in strength with muscle wasting (size decrease) or a definitive decrease in sensation then a decision needs to be made relatively quickly. If true significant compression is present and is not addressed, then the loss in strength &/or sensation can be permanent. However, if there is still good strength and there is normal sensation then there is still time to trial conservative management. Remember, surgery should always be a last resort and is not always successful.
Hopefully you have access to good practitioners who can give you an unbiased opinion in relation to the severity of your presentation and your likelihood of success from conservative intervention or surgical options.

Hello Abs,
I would think from reading the details included that you are likely to be in the 55-65 year age group (hopefully I have not insulted you). Certainly, the results suggest that the condition has probably been manifesting for a period of time. Degenerative changes like that occur over many years, rather than being a new injury or incident. So hypothetically, progression of symptoms is not rapid in these cases. The interesting thing with stenotic degenerative conditions are the difficulty to predict the response to conservative treatment. We sometimes see some really terrible looking scans and the clinical presentation is not that severe and essentially the patient responds well. Often it is a case of managing the presentation to prevent further deterioration and symptoms. On the flip side, sometimes cases don't appear that significant and they really don't settle well conservatively (multimodal approach), leaving few options other than agressive intervention (surgery).
I think a neurosurgeon consult is a good idea. I am not sure what city you are located in, so am unsure of whether I can suggest someone to you, however, the clinical presentation and the potential correlation with the ct scan is still very important. Maybe getting an assessment and trial intervention with a conservative practitioner is still an option.
Mind, an opinion given without comprehensive history and examination is always somewhat ignorant and is always with reservation.
Hope this helps.
regards

Hey Abs,
Certainly a less than usual and complex sounding case. You are very young to have the history you have described.
I don't know too many of the neuros and orthos in Sydney. I do know a couple of rehab practitioners though who may be worth a look for conservative management and should know the best neuros and orthos in Sydney.
If I was in your position, I would seek the advice of Dr David De La Harpe. He is in Melbourne. However, he is the busiest spinal orthopaedic surgeon in Australia, pioneered a lot of microscopic disc surgery, started as a chiropractor then did medicine, fellowship in plastic surgery before going on to spinal orthopaedics. Very well educated and very well respected. I have had several spinal surgeries myself and if I was going to look to further surgery I would make the trip there for his opinion.
Send me an enquiry via my profile and I will send you a list of contacts to speak with.
regards