Ellen DeGeneres Opens Up: “It Was Incredibly Painful, I Had No Idea That Was a Symptom.”

Ellen DeGeneres Reflects on Her Painful Experience with COVID-19: “I Had No Idea That Was a Symptom”

As Ellen DeGeneres wrapped up her iconic talk show after 19 successful seasons, fans looked back on her remarkable career. Recently, the 64-year-old star opened up about a lesser-known challenge she faced—severe back pain after contracting COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic.

Following allegations about a toxic workplace on her show, Ellen chose to step back from the limelight to focus on her passion for animal conservation.

She worked extensively on projects like the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. But in December 2020, DeGeneres tested positive for COVID-19, and she later revealed that one unexpected symptom took her by surprise—excruciating back pain.

In a candid update on social media, Ellen shared that she was following all proper precautions when she contracted the virus. A week later, she reported feeling “100%,” but not before experiencing something that doctors didn’t initially highlight. “What they don’t tell you is that you can get severe back pain,” she explained.

“I had no idea it was a symptom until I spoke with others who had experienced the same.”

Ellen’s experience reflects the evolving understanding of COVID-19 symptoms.

Early in the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) didn’t officially list back pain as a symptom, though it did note “muscle or body aches.” Other symptoms commonly reported included fever, fatigue, cough, and loss of taste or smell.

According to the NHS, people already dealing with joint or muscle issues may find that illness worsens those conditions.

Being less active due to illness can lead to stiffness and weakness in the muscles and joints. For many, like Ellen, this inactivity during COVID-19 contributed to symptoms like back pain.

A study conducted in Malta highlighted this trend, showing that the percentage of people experiencing back pain increased after the onset of COVID-19, from 30% pre-pandemic to 49% during the pandemic.

This rise was partly due to a surge in remote work, which led many to adopt less mobile lifestyles and prolonged sitting.

It’s important to note that while back pain can be a symptom of COVID-19, it can also arise from other causes like poor posture, lack of physical activity, or other illnesses like the flu.

If back pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, or nasal congestion, it’s best to consult a medical professional to rule out COVID-19 or other conditions.

Ellen’s experience serves as a reminder that COVID-19 can present in unexpected ways, but staying informed and vigilant can help in managing and recovering from the virus.