After 19 successful seasons, Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show came to an end, marking the close of an era for fans who had followed her career for years. However, the transition out of the spotlight wasn’t without its challenges, and recently, Ellen revealed a surprising consequence of contracting COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. She shared her experience of enduring excruciating back pain, a symptom that was not widely known or discussed at the time.
Ellen, who has long been an advocate for causes such as animal conservation, including her recent work with The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, took time off to focus on these passions following the end of her talk show. However, her health took a sudden turn when she tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2020.
At the time, much of the world was still grappling with the virus, and information about its symptoms was still being gathered. Despite following all the proper precautions, Ellen was caught off guard by the onset of symptoms, especially the back pain that later became one of her most persistent complaints. In her social media update, she expressed her surprise at this particular symptom, stating that it wasn’t something many people were warned about.
The Unexpected Back Pain
In a social media post, Ellen stated, “What they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain. I had no notion that this was a symptom until I spoke with a few other people.” She went on to describe the pain as one of the more unexpected aspects of her illness. While most people are aware of symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, back pain wasn’t a symptom she or many others had considered in relation to COVID-19.
Ellen further expressed her frustration, saying, “Who would have thought? How so? I’m having back pain.” Her emotional response resonated with many people who had similar experiences, highlighting how the unknowns of COVID-19 were still causing confusion and discomfort for many individuals even well into the pandemic.
![Ellen DeGeneres: “I Hated the Way [My] Show Ended”](https://consequence.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ellen-DeGeneres-devestated-hated-how-the-show-ended.jpg?quality=80)
Understanding Back Pain as a COVID-19 Symptom
When COVID-19 first emerged, medical professionals and health organizations had limited information about the full range of symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not initially include back pain in their list of common symptoms. However, as more data became available, it became clear that back pain, along with other muscle and joint pain, was more prevalent than previously thought. The CDC did include “muscle or body aches” as a symptom, but the connection to back pain was not immediately made clear.
The NHS (National Health Service) later provided more insight into the reasons behind back pain and other muscle-related issues during a COVID-19 infection. According to their website, many individuals who contracted COVID-19 were less active than usual, which led to an increase in stiffness, aches, and muscle weakness. The lack of movement due to illness or restrictions caused muscles and joints to become weakened, which could result in pain, particularly in the back, shoulders, and neck.
The rise in remote work due to the pandemic also contributed to this issue. With people spending more time at home and working from makeshift home offices, the shift from an active, on-the-go lifestyle to prolonged periods of sitting in front of a screen led to poor posture and increased strain on the back and neck.
The Link Between COVID-19 and Chronic Back Pain
Studies have indicated a significant increase in back pain since the onset of the pandemic. A study conducted in Malta, which surveyed 388 people, found that 30% of participants had chronic back pain prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after the pandemic began, 49% of people reported experiencing back pain, with many stating that they had never had such issues before. This suggests that the pandemic, along with changes in daily routines and lifestyle, may have exacerbated or even triggered new cases of back pain.
Additionally, as people spent more time indoors and isolated from others, their levels of physical activity decreased, which is a key factor in the development of back pain. Prolonged sitting, lack of stretching, and poor posture while working from home can all contribute to muscle stiffness and discomfort.
How Back Pain Can Manifest in COVID-19 Cases
While back pain can occur for many reasons, including poor posture, overexertion, or injury, it is particularly notable when it appears alongside other COVID-19 symptoms. Some individuals with COVID-19 have experienced a combination of symptoms, including:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fever or chills
In some cases, back pain can be accompanied by additional symptoms like a burning or stabbing sensation, muscle weakness, or difficulty standing or walking. If someone is experiencing severe or persistent back pain, especially in combination with other flu-like symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out other underlying conditions.
Addressing Back Pain as Part of the COVID-19 Recovery Process
For many, back pain during COVID-19 was a temporary issue that resolved as they recovered from the virus. However, for others, the pain persisted, requiring them to seek medical treatment. The NHS suggests several ways to help alleviate back pain, including regular movement, proper posture, stretching, and strengthening exercises.
For those recovering from COVID-19, it is crucial to return to physical activity gradually. Overdoing it too soon can exacerbate muscle weakness and stiffness. In many cases, physical therapy or other rehabilitation methods may be recommended to help restore strength and flexibility.
Conclusion: A Reminder of the Unpredictability of COVID-19
Ellen DeGeneres’ experience with back pain serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and varied COVID-19 symptoms can be. What was initially thought to be a straightforward respiratory illness has proven to have a wide range of physical and psychological effects. From fatigue and headaches to muscle aches and back pain, it is clear that COVID-19 can impact the body in unexpected ways.
As more is learned about the long-term effects of COVID-19, it’s important for individuals to listen to their bodies and seek professional advice if they experience persistent or unusual symptoms. Whether dealing with back pain or other lingering effects, understanding the full scope of the virus will continue to play a critical role in recovery and health management.
As for Ellen, it’s clear that she remains resilient and continues to share her experiences with others, offering valuable insight into the ongoing challenges many face as they navigate their own health journeys.
