‘Incredibly painful,’ says Ellen DeGeneres. ‘I had no idea that was a symptom.’

As Ellen DeGeneres wrapped up her long-running talk show after 19 seasons, fans and followers reflected on her career’s many ups and downs. Recently, she’s made headlines not for her work on television, but for an unexpected health struggle. After contracting COVID-19, DeGeneres, now 64, experienced an unusual symptom that left her both shocked and in severe discomfort: excruciating back pain.

DeGeneres, known for her energetic presence and humor, took to social media to share her surprise about this particular symptom. While most people are familiar with COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell, back pain was not a symptom she expected to endure. But as she learned, she wasn’t alone, and the experiences of others began to shed light on this surprising aspect of the illness.

The Unexpected Symptom: COVID-19 and Severe Back Pain

Ellen DeGeneres’ COVID-19 Journey

After testing positive for COVID-19, DeGeneres took time off to recover and stay out of the public eye. However, unlike some of the more commonly discussed symptoms, she was shocked by the intensity of her back pain. In a candid social media post, she shared how this pain left her feeling both physically drained and mentally surprised. She explained, “What they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain. I had no notion that was a symptom until I spoke with a few other people.”

Back Pain as a Lesser-Known Symptom of COVID-19

During the early days of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not list back pain as an official COVID-19 symptom. Most people recognized symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, but back pain wasn’t widely known as a side effect. However, as more people, including DeGeneres, began to report similar experiences, health experts took note.

Back pain can sometimes be related to the muscle and joint aches that COVID-19 patients frequently experience. The NHS also highlighted how prolonged inactivity during illness could lead to joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and general body aches. DeGeneres’s experience sheds light on how the virus can affect people in unexpected ways, making her story relatable to the countless others who suffered through this symptom as they battled the virus.

Why Back Pain Became More Common During the Pandemic

The Role of Inactivity in Aggravating Back Pain

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were forced to isolate, leading to less physical activity and more time spent sitting or lying down. In fact, for people who were accustomed to a busy, active lifestyle, this sudden change contributed significantly to physical discomfort. For those who fell ill with the virus, the extended periods of bed rest or inactivity only exacerbated symptoms like back pain and muscle aches.

Even people who didn’t catch COVID-19 found themselves dealing with new types of physical pain due to work-from-home arrangements, which often involved makeshift office setups. Poor ergonomics, combined with reduced mobility, made it all too common to experience back discomfort, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal issues.

The Stress of COVID-19 on the Body

COVID-19 can lead to a range of musculoskeletal symptoms. Medical professionals now recognize that symptoms like muscle pain, body aches, and even back pain are not unusual, particularly as the virus can cause inflammation in the muscles and joints. When muscles become weakened from illness or inactivity, the pain is likely to worsen, impacting daily movements like standing up, climbing stairs, or even stretching.

The Link Between COVID-19 and Musculoskeletal Pain

Early Symptoms and Long-Term Effects

COVID-19 has been known to cause a variety of physical symptoms, but the long-term effects can be particularly troubling. Muscle and body aches were recognized early on as common symptoms. These aches can manifest as general soreness or more localized pain in areas like the back. The NHS suggests that many COVID patients experience a worsening of pre-existing conditions, including back pain, which may flare up due to reduced movement during illness.

Back pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms often linger in those who suffer from long COVID, a condition where symptoms continue for weeks or even months after the initial infection. For many, this has meant dealing with persistent discomfort long after they test negative for the virus.

Why Some Patients Experience Severe Back Pain

Although back pain isn’t considered a primary symptom, some individuals, like Ellen DeGeneres, have reported it as a significant aspect of their illness. This can be attributed to the body’s inflammatory response to the virus, which can affect muscles, joints, and even nerves. For those with underlying musculoskeletal issues, this inflammatory response can exacerbate existing problems, leading to a range of painful symptoms.

In one study conducted in Malta, researchers found that 49% of participants reported experiencing back pain after COVID-19 became widespread, with many stating they had not suffered from it before the pandemic. This suggests that back pain, while not exclusive to COVID, is a symptom that may emerge more frequently due to the lifestyle changes and health impacts associated with the virus.

Other Possible Causes of Back Pain

It’s essential to remember that not all back pain is related to COVID-19. Various factors can contribute to back pain, including:

• Prolonged sitting and lack of movement, particularly when using non-ergonomic seating.
• Stress and anxiety, which can lead to muscle tension.
• Other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia, which can cause similar musculoskeletal symptoms.

For example, the flu often brings body aches, while conditions like pneumonia may cause back pain due to inflammation in the lungs. Additionally, people with respiratory symptoms or infections might develop secondary symptoms like back pain from coughing or prolonged inactivity.

Ellen DeGeneres’ Perspective on COVID-19 Recovery

From Pain to Recovery

After enduring the initial challenges of COVID-19, DeGeneres updated her fans on her health, reassuring them that she had recovered fully. Reflecting on her experience, she pointed out that the back pain had caught her by surprise, but she was grateful to have made a full recovery. By sharing her journey, DeGeneres helped bring awareness to lesser-known COVID-19 symptoms, encouraging others to take back pain seriously.

Lessons Learned from Ellen’s Experience

Ellen DeGeneres’ experience is a reminder that COVID-19 can affect individuals in ways that are both expected and surprising. Her message is one of resilience and awareness, showing that recovery is possible even when unexpected symptoms arise. For many, her story serves as a reminder to pay attention to all symptoms and take them seriously, as they could signal underlying health issues.

Conclusion: Navigating COVID-19 and Unusual Symptoms

Ellen DeGeneres’ battle with COVID-19 and her surprising experience with back pain underscore how varied and unpredictable the virus’s effects can be. For those dealing with similar symptoms, her story offers comfort and a sense of shared experience. As our understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve, it’s essential to acknowledge that symptoms like back pain, once thought unrelated, can be significant indicators of the virus’s impact on the body.

Ultimately, DeGeneres’ journey sheds light on the importance of listening to one’s body, seeking medical guidance when needed, and sharing experiences to build awareness. Her story reminds us that, even in the face of unexpected challenges, resilience and knowledge can pave the way for a better understanding of our health and well-being.