Another NASCAR Driver Dealing With Problematic Pain

/ Thomas Cohn, MD

Denny Hamlin is the latest NASCAR driver to have his season impacted by debilitating pain, as he needed to withdraw from Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway with neck pain.

Hamlin told reporters that he pulled something in his neck during the 12th lap, and he didn’t feel want to compete if he thought he was a danger to others.

“I can’t move my head or neck like I need to, and I’m not doing this team any justice if I go out there like this,” Hamlin said after withdrawing from the race. “I have no idea what happened. I think it’s just a pull, something where you jerk your head around and you feel a pain. Almost like you slept on it wrong.”

It’s surprising that the injury occurred so early in the race. We’ve shared ideas for avoiding pain and injuries while driving in the past, but NASCAR drivers don’t typically have the luxury of getting out of their car and stretching to break up the drive.

Denny Hamlin

Despite pulling out of Sunday’s race, Hamlin said he plans to compete in three races this week, which seems a little aggressive for a driver who only completed 22 of 500 laps last week. He added that he’s received treatment early this week, and he’s excited to compete this week at a track 20 miles from where he grew up.

“After treatment this week, I feel close to 100 percent, and I’m confident that I’ll be good to go this weekend in Richmond,” Hamlin said. “It’s a great track for our team, and one that means a lot to me personally. Hopefully we can go out there and compete for the win.”

Another NASCAR Injury

Hamlin’s neck pain is the one of the first NASCAR injuries we’ve heard about this year, but last season the injury news centered around Jeff Gordon, who claimed that chronic back pain could force him into retirement. Over the course of his career, Gordon has undergone professional treatment, strengthening exercises and received anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections to manage his back pain.

Although he hasn’t publicly stated that it’s due in part to his back, Gordon has already announced that this season would be his last full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series.

I’ll keep tabs on Gordon and Hamlin as the NASCAR season progresses, but under the playoff structure, Hamlin has already qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he missed some races to ensure he enters the Chase as healthy as possible.