Dale Jr.’s Sister Underwent Back Surgery, Remains In Excruciating Pain

Instagram / Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Kelly Earnhardt, sister of Dale Jr. and daughter of Dale Earnhardt, recently took to social media to share that she had surgery 8 weeks ago, and she is still in excruciating pain.

In a recent post to Twitter, Kelly asked followers for their experiences in a similar situation, hoping to get some tips or at least some encouragement that the pain would eventually get better saying:

“8 weeks ago I had a far lateral lumbar discectomy and the nerve pain continues to be excruciating in my hip and back. Anyone else have this surgery and when did your pain get better? Doc says to hang in there and it will get better. “

In the replies to her tweet, followers shared their experiences, both good and bad. Kelley continued to share her experience while replying to her followers.

According to the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, the procedure Kelley had, the far lateral lumbar discectomy is used to treat far lateral disc herniation in the intervertebral facet. This is most commonly caused by the intervertebral disc protruding or extruding within the foramen. The herniation can cause extreme and constant compression, which can lead to several debilitating symptoms.

Kelley is the daughter of the late NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, who sadly passed away in 2001, in a last-lap crash at the Daytona 500. The event of her father’s passing was noted in the racing industry as a pivotal moment in improving safety in all prospects of car racing, especially NASCAR.

Although Kelley was known to be a fantastic race car driver learning the ends and outs of driving from her dad, she ended her racing career in 1996.

Now Kelley is co-owner of JR Motorsports with her brother Dale Jr. as her partner.

Watch the interview with Kelley and Dale Jr. below.