Gordon undergoes procedure for back problems

We've heard for a while now about Jeff Gordon's re-occurring back pain, some say it's an excuse for his performance last, but back pain is no laughing matter and I can see how it can easily affect a drivers performance.  Yes, I guess you could say I'm defending him in this case, you can take the shocked look of your faces now.

Gordon underwent a procedure on Monday to see if it can alleviate some of the pain, obviously the physical therapy and other things they were doing didn't help much.  Gordon wanted this done mainly because the 600 is such a grueling race for a driver, even in perfect condition.

So far there has been no updates as to if the procedure helped or not, but after reading up a little on this procedure, it seems like it's only a temporary fix.  If it helps, I imagine they would keep doing the procedure whenever it bothers him again, but from what I read, if this doesn't work, surgery is the next option.

Back pain or not, he'll still be racing, just like any other injured driver.  I remember before Mark Martin had his back surgery, he had to be helped and even lifted in and out of the car, the pain was so bad.  I hope Gordon's never gets that bad, but surgery may be in his future, before or after he leaves the sport.

Even though I'm not a Gordon fan, I wish him well and hope this helps his back.    As for the race this weekend, I'm looking forward to it and am hoping that there is no rain!