Gordon has procedure to help lessen back pain

CONCORD, N.C. -- Jeff Gordon, who has experienced progressively worse back pain in the past few years, had a procedure on Monday he hopes will alleviate much -- if not all -- of the pain.

"I had a facet block procedure done on my back on Monday and it went well," Gordon said. "I was a little sore after the procedure, but I'll definitely take that brief bit of soreness if it stops the recurring back pain I've had.

Gordon

"I hope that will end the back issues I've been having, but it's too early to tell if that fixed the problem."

Gordon was treated in a procedure that typically calls for an injection of lidocaine or anti-inflammatory medication.

Gordon zeroed in on a cause for his aching back last month. An MRI revealed a touch of arthritis and other issues he described as possibly related to "trauma, from a crash, or maybe just from years of beating it up."

Gordon silently suffered through chronic back pain all of last year, his first winless season since his 1993 rookie year. He revealed his condition at the start of this season when he began using a trainer to help him properly stretch his back before and after races.

Gordon timed the medical procedure to give him relief before Sunday night's 600-mile race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

"This is a grueling race -- 600 miles here is tough," said Gordon, who leads the point standings by 29. "It's tough on equipment, and it's tough mentally. You have to mentally stay in the game and be focused for 600 miles.

"I'm really looking forward to the event. Obviously, I want to see how my back does, but I also think we can challenge for the win."

This past Saturday, Gordon had worked himself into the lead when the final 10-lap segment began in the All-Star Race. But an accident while battling three-wide for the lead in the final segment ended his chance at victory.

"We ran well during the All-Star event, so that gives us some confidence heading into this weekend," Gordon said. "We've also run well on the mile-and-a-halfs this year with a win at Texas. The key is to survive the early stages when the sun is out and be in position to battle for the win at night."

Gordon may have a better understanding of the results of the procedure by midweek. He is scheduled to participate in Ultimate Speed on Wednesday -- a karting event that will raise money for the Jeff Gordon Foundation and the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital in Concord.

"That event is always a lot of fun, and it shouldn't be a strain on my back," Gordon said. "Even running karts I've felt some discomfort in my back, so that event may provide an early indication of how well the procedure worked."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.