Radio host and former Australian Idol contestant Ricki-Lee Coulter has revealed she is facing potential back surgery after being referred to a neurosurgeon. The 40-year-old shared the news on Facebook on Sunday, detailing multiple spinal issues discovered through medical imaging.
Coulter disclosed that she has an L3/L4 broad-based disc bulge, spinal canal narrowing, arthritis, an L4/L5 disc extrusion causing sciatica down her left leg, and a bulging L5/S1 disc that is dehydrated with bone movement from chronic stress. She wrote, 'Turns out my back is pretty messed up.'
The neurosurgeon has instructed her to rest for two weeks, avoiding exercise and sitting, with only standing, walking, or lying down permitted. After this period, the surgeon will determine if surgery is necessary. Coulter expressed boredom with the restrictions, noting she cannot sit.
This health issue comes two years after she publicly discussed her decade-long battle with endometriosis. Coulter currently co-hosts Nova FM's Sydney breakfast show with Tim Blackwell, a role she began earlier this year. The pair last aired on Thursday.
Coulter rose to fame finishing seventh on Australian Idol's second season in 2004. She achieved five top 10 singles as a solo artist and two more with the Young Divas. She moved into radio in 2008, joining Nova in 2010, and has co-hosted Australian Idol since its 2023 revival.
