Ellen DeGeneres Shares Surprising COVID-19 Symptom: Excruciating Back Pain
As Ellen DeGeneres’ long-running talk show comes to an end after 19 seasons, fans have been reflecting on her career—both its highs and lows. Most recently, the 64-year-old comedian shared an unexpected side effect of contracting COVID-19 back in December 2020: excruciating back pain.
At the time, DeGeneres was following all the “proper precautions” when she tested positive. However, it wasn’t until later that she learned back pain was a possible symptom. “What they don’t tell you is that you’ll have severe back pain,” Ellen explained, admitting she had no idea that COVID could cause this discomfort until she spoke with others who experienced the same thing.
DeGeneres had previously taken a step back from the spotlight due to allegations of a toxic workplace on her show, choosing instead to focus on her passion for animal conservation. She’s also been active in supporting causes like The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.
However, her health update on social media revealed just how much COVID-19 impacted her. A week after testing positive, Ellen confirmed she was “100%,” but it was the back pain that took her by surprise. This symptom wasn’t widely recognized early on in the pandemic, and it wasn’t included in the CDC’s official list of COVID-19 symptoms at the time.
Back Pain and COVID: The Unspoken Connection
When the pandemic began, many didn’t know that back pain could be linked to COVID. The CDC initially listed symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell, but things like back and joint pain were not emphasized. It turns out, as more research was conducted, back pain became a more commonly reported issue for those dealing with the virus.
The NHS has since explained that many people with COVID may experience muscle and joint pain as a result of being less active while sick. When you’re not moving as much, muscles can weaken, leading to stiffness and aches in areas like your back, shoulders, and joints.
Interestingly, with the rise of remote work during the pandemic, more people were spending extended hours sitting, which may have contributed to the increase in back pain. In a study conducted in Malta, researchers found that 49% of people experienced back pain after contracting COVID—compared to 30% who had chronic back pain before the pandemic.
What to Know About COVID and Back Pain
It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences back pain has COVID. Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, and if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like fever, cough, or congestion, it could indicate other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia.
If you experience **sharp, shooting, or stabbing back pain** or pain that radiates down your legs, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.
For DeGeneres, this surprising symptom serves as a reminder of how COVID-19 affected people in ways we didn’t fully understand at the start of the pandemic. Her experience sheds light on the wide range of symptoms—both expected and unexpected—that come with the virus.
So, has anyone else experienced unusual symptoms like this after contracting COVID? Share your thoughts or your own experiences below.
