Dad: neuro diagnosed w/ ulnar nerve entrp., bad pain, tough to sleep at times. pain on/off. ortho surg. said no surgery (decomp) yet... next steps?

Ortho is right : The problem is going on for only a week (as noted in previous question). Conservative therapy can certainly help. Soft foam pad for elbow support helps reduce inadvertent compression. Limits night time flexion, can be done with towel wrap or a brace if not too rigid. Ultrasound guided block can provide additional diagnostic info and fast relief.

Second opinion?: If ortho trusted, get recommendations for rx, dme or pt modalities to use while attempting to avoid surgery. If no such recs. Made at time of evaluation: seek second opinion from trusted neurosurgeon. If none of the providers are recommending surgery at this time, you need an alternative from them. If alternatives not forthcoming, perhaps not the right provider.