As Ellen DeGeneres reflects on her illustrious career and post-show life, fans recall her candid revelation about a surprising symptom she faced while battling COVID-19. In December 2020, DeGeneres contracted the virus and later opened up about experiencing “excruciating” back pain, a symptom not widely discussed at the time.
An Unexpected Symptom
DeGeneres first shared her COVID-19 diagnosis on social media, confirming she had taken all necessary precautions. A week later, she reassured fans she had recovered fully. However, she noted an unexpected challenge:
“What they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain. I had no idea it was a symptom until I spoke with a few other people,” she revealed during an April 2021 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
At the time, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not list back pain as a symptom of COVID-19. However, reports of muscle and joint discomfort—including back pain—grew as researchers gathered more data.
Why COVID-19 Can Cause Back Pain
Medical professionals later highlighted potential reasons COVID-19 patients might experience back pain:
- Systemic Inflammation: The virus triggers an inflammatory response, which can lead to muscle and joint aches.
- Prolonged Inactivity: Illness often results in reduced mobility, exacerbating stiffness and discomfort.
- Exacerbation of Pre-existing Conditions: People with pre-existing joint or muscle pain may notice worsened symptoms during infection.
The NHS emphasized that regular movement is crucial for maintaining muscle and joint health. For COVID-19 patients, a sedentary lifestyle combined with illness-related weakness may amplify back pain or create new discomfort.
Broader Context of Back Pain During the Pandemic
The rise in back pain was not limited to COVID-19 sufferers. A shift to remote work and a reduction in outdoor activities led to increased reports of back pain globally.
A study conducted in Malta during the pandemic found that:
- 30% of participants experienced chronic back pain before COVID-19.
- 49% reported new or worsened back pain after the pandemic began.
Understanding Back Pain
It’s essential to note that back pain alone does not indicate COVID-19. It can stem from various causes, including:
- Muscle strain
- Sedentary behavior
- Other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia
Typical symptoms of back pain include:
- Shooting or stabbing sensations
- Pain radiating down the legs
- Dull, constant aches
- Pins-and-needles sensations
For individuals experiencing persistent or severe pain, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Moving Forward
Today, DeGeneres remains focused on her passion for animal conservation, including her work with the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. Her candid discussion of COVID-19-related back pain adds to the growing understanding of the virus’s wide-ranging effects, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and recovery strategies.
