Permanent damage could occur to the cord or nerve root from compression. The amount of damage depends upon the initial blow to the cord or nerve (the severity of compression over time- that is, a “hammer smash” of the nerve would cause more damage than a hard blow from a “pillow smash”).
The time of cord or nerve compression also is a factor in recovery with longer nerves having less “reserve” than shorter nerves. The activity while the nerve or cord is being compressed is also a factor. If there is a significant cervical cord compression and the individual extends their neck “banging” the cord, the more episodes the cord is crushed, the greater the damage.
Generally, a mild scoliosis does not cause nerve compression.
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.
