Jeff Gordon's back problems have him talking retirement. On Thursday the Sprint Cup points leader said that if his back pain persists, he will shorten his career. Most experts believe a healthy Gordon has another seven to ten prime years of racing ahead of him.

Gordon said, "If my back were the way it was at Bristol this year, it definitely would shorten my career. I can't race like that forever, for long periods of time."

Gordon had a procedure called a facet block injection this week to ease the pain in his back, which has caused him considerable discomfort while driving this season.

Last week Gordon was the subject of a tabloid report that his wife, fearing for his health, is urging him to quit.

Gordon hopes procedure is answer (ESPN)