Ronnie Coleman dedicated his life to bodybuilding. Coleman became Mr. Olympia eight times in a row dominating the bodybuilding world from 1998 to 2005. And in subsequent years, Coleman appeared more massive than before. At one point, Ronnie weighed 300 lbs on stage.

However, Coleman combined massive weights and high repetitions. A combination few bodybuilders tried. After years of intense training, Ronnie faced countless spinal issues. Coleman has had 13 back surgeries to fix his spine. Recently, Joe Rogan updated fans on Ronnie’s health during his podcast.

Joe Rogan on Ronnie Coleman

Rogan is a famous public figure with decades of experience as a UFC commentator. In episode #1900 of his popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan talked about Ronnie Coleman. While talking to his guest, Steve-O, the conversation shifted toward the overuse of painkillers. Rogan revealed bodybuilders and powerlifters often use these pills to manage their pain.

Joe said Ronnie Coleman used to take painkillers. “Instead of dealing with it you just take a pain pill and you keep powering through,” said Joe. However, he also spoke about the current condition of the bodybuilding icon. “His whole back fused is like every spinal cord. All the different vertebrae are fused together. And he’s f***ed,” said the UFC commentator.

“He’s in real, real pain. He can barely move around… he’s got a lot of nerve damage and his legs don’t work correctly anymore.“, Joe told Steve-O. However, Joe was also critical of Ronnie’s surgeon. The podcast host said there are many ways to treat someone’s spinal issues. “You don’t have to do that,” said Joe, regarding the decision to fuse Ronnie’s vertebrae with screws.

READ MORE: “Everybody Thinks It’s an Individual Sport”: Ronnie Coleman Made an Adorable Gesture Claiming Bodybuilding Is a Team Sport After His First Mr. Olympia Victory in 1998

Although Ronnie’s condition may be irreversible, Rogan said the bodybuilding legend recently got stem cell therapy. “He’s got some improvement now. I think he went to BioXcellerator… they helped him a bit.” Rogan told Steve-O.

Ronnie in his prime

The pair also talked about Coleman during his prime. Joe pulled up a picture of Ronnie’s back, and he couldn’t help but admire the physique. Joe also pointed out how Ronnie didn’t regret what he did. While many feel sorry for him, Coleman doesn’t feel sorry for himself. Ronnie still goes to the gym and has no plans to stop.

Ronnie is the joint record holder for most Olympia wins with Lee Haney. Besides dominating the Olympia stage, Ronnie also won the Arnold Classic in 2001.

Watch this story – 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Disclosed the Amount of Money He Spent on Bodybuilding Competitions During His Career

Ronnie Coleman may never walk without assistance again. However, he remains optimistic and humble.