As Ellen DeGeneres bids farewell to her long-running talk show after 19 seasons, many fans have reflected on the highs and lows of her career. Throughout the years, DeGeneres became known not only for her humor but also for her advocacy, including her commitment to animal conservation. Following the completion of The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, DeGeneres decided to step away from the spotlight. This decision came amidst workplace toxicity allegations against her show, as she chose to focus more on her passion for supporting wildlife and conservation efforts.
In a recent social media update, DeGeneres opened up about an unexpected health issue she faced during the pandemic. The 64-year-old, who had tested positive for COVID-19 during its peak, shared that she had experienced “excruciating” back pain, a symptom she was surprised to learn was associated with the illness.
Although she took all the necessary precautions when she contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, DeGeneres was caught off guard by the back discomfort. In her update, she mentioned that doctors had not warned her about this particular symptom. “I feel great,” she declared, “but they don’t tell you that you might experience excruciating back pain. I didn’t know that was a symptom until I talked to a few other people.”
At the time of her illness, back pain wasn’t officially listed as a COVID-19 symptom by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Initially, symptoms like fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and headache were highlighted. “Muscle or bodily aches” were among the recognized symptoms, but back pain had not been officially identified.
However, the NHS offers some insight into why back pain and other musculoskeletal issues have become common among COVID-19 patients. According to the NHS, the illness may have aggravated pre-existing aches or caused new pain due to inactivity. Since regular exercise is essential for muscle and joint health, those with COVID-19 often experience muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain, as they are less active than usual. This can lead to difficulty standing, walking, and even simple tasks like raising arms or holding objects.
The shift to remote work during the pandemic also contributed to the increase in back pain. With more people working from home and spending more time sitting, the lack of movement exacerbated muscle and joint discomfort. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of people experienced chronic back pain during and after the pandemic, many of whom had never dealt with such issues before.
It’s important to note that back pain does not necessarily indicate COVID-19. Other conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia, can also cause back pain. Symptoms like fever, sneezing, and coughing, alongside muscle soreness, could point to other illnesses. Additionally, chest inflammation from pneumonia can also result in back pain.
Despite the unexpected nature of her illness, DeGeneres provided reassurance in her update, sharing that she was fully recovered just a week later. Her openness about her experience highlights the often-overlooked symptoms of COVID-19, while also reminding her fans of the importance of taking care of both their physical and mental health during challenging times.
