Ellen DeGeneres has been a household name for decades, entertaining audiences with her humor, warmth, and iconic talk show. But as The Ellen DeGeneres Show came to an end after 19 successful seasons, fans reflected on both the highs and lows of her career. While her departure from the spotlight was partly due to allegations of a toxic workplace environment, she has also been focusing on her passion for wildlife conservation, particularly through the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

However, amid her transition away from television, DeGeneres faced an unexpected health challenge—COVID-19. In a shocking revelation, she described her experience with the virus, stating that she endured excruciating back pain, something she never anticipated as a symptom.

Ellen DeGeneres and COVID-19: An Unseen Challenge

Ellen DeGeneres first tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Like many others, she assumed her symptoms would be limited to the well-known ones—fever, cough, and fatigue. But she quickly realized that the virus could manifest in surprising ways.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, DeGeneres shared her experience, saying:

“They don’t tell you that you’d have excruciating back pain. Until I talked to a few other people, I didn’t know that was a symptom.”

Her confusion was understandable. At the time, back pain wasn’t officially recognized as a primary symptom of COVID-19 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the CDC had listed “muscle or body aches” as a possible symptom, specific issues like severe back pain had yet to be widely acknowledged.

The Hidden Link Between COVID-19 and Back Pain

Back pain as a symptom of COVID-19 remained largely unexplored in the early days of the pandemic. However, as more people contracted the virus, reports of severe muscle and joint pain—including back pain—began to emerge.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, back pain and joint discomfort have been increasingly associated with the virus. Their website states:

“Many patients will have had some aches and pains before becoming unwell with COVID. It’s possible that the illness has either brought these issues back or made them worse.”

This is because reduced physical activity can significantly impact muscle strength, flexibility, and joint health. Individuals battling COVID-19 often experience fatigue and weakness, leading to prolonged periods of inactivity. This lack of movement can cause muscle stiffness, tension, and pain, particularly in the lower back and shoulders.

Why Does COVID-19 Cause Back Pain?

While not everyone who contracts COVID-19 will experience back pain, several factors can contribute to its onset:

1. Muscle Inflammation and Weakness

The virus is known to trigger inflammation throughout the body, leading to muscle soreness and joint stiffness. As the immune system fights off the infection, cytokines (inflammatory proteins) can affect muscles and tissues, causing discomfort.

2. Prolonged Inactivity and Weakness

Many COVID-19 patients experience extreme fatigue, leading to extended periods of rest or lying down. This inactivity can cause muscle deconditioning, making it harder for the body to support itself properly—especially in the lower back.

3. Respiratory Strain and Chest Inflammation

COVID-19 can cause lung inflammation, leading to difficulty breathing. When the body struggles for oxygen, people may unconsciously change their posture, leading to poor spinal alignment and back strain.

4. Increased Stress and Tension

The pandemic caused anxiety and stress worldwide, leading to increased muscle tension. When people are stressed, their muscles naturally tighten, often resulting in neck, shoulder, and back pain.

The Rise of Back Pain During the Pandemic

Interestingly, back pain became a widespread issue even for those who never contracted COVID-19. The pandemic forced millions of people into remote work, dramatically altering daily routines. With many working from home, sitting for long hours at poorly designed workstations, complaints of back and neck pain skyrocketed.

A study conducted in Malta surveyed 388 individuals and found that:

• Before the pandemic, 30% of participants reported chronic back pain.
• After the pandemic began, this number jumped to 49%, with many individuals experiencing new back pain for the first time.

This data suggests that lifestyle changes, combined with the virus itself, contributed to an increase in reported cases of back pain worldwide.

When Should You Be Concerned About Back Pain?

While back pain alone does not necessarily indicate COVID-19, it’s essential to pay attention to other symptoms that may accompany it. If you experience back pain along with:

• Fever or chills
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Loss of taste or smell

It’s advisable to get tested for COVID-19. However, back pain can also be linked to other conditions, such as flu, pneumonia, or musculoskeletal injuries, so proper evaluation is crucial.

How to Relieve COVID-19-Related Back Pain

If you or someone you know is struggling with back pain due to COVID-19, here are some effective ways to alleviate discomfort:

1. Gentle Movement and Stretching

While resting is essential during recovery, prolonged inactivity can worsen muscle stiffness. Try gentle stretching exercises or light walking to keep muscles engaged and prevent stiffness.

2. Hydration and Nutrition

Staying hydrated helps reduce muscle cramps and inflammation. Ensure you’re consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to aid recovery.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat (like a warm compress or heating pad) can help relax tense muscles, while cold packs can reduce inflammation and numb pain.

4. Posture Awareness

If you’re working from home or spending long hours sitting, ensure your posture is correct. Use supportive chairs, maintain an upright posture, and take breaks to stretch.

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

If the pain becomes too uncomfortable, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage symptoms. However, always consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Final Thoughts: COVID-19’s Unexpected Impact on the Body

Ellen DeGeneres’ revelation about excruciating back pain during COVID-19 shed light on a symptom many people hadn’t associated with the virus. While early research focused on respiratory issues, the virus has shown its ability to affect the body in unpredictable ways.

As more studies emerge, it’s clear that muscle pain, weakness, and back discomfort are common challenges for many recovering from the illness. Whether caused by the virus itself, inactivity, or stress, back pain has become an issue that millions now face.

The good news? With proper care, movement, and awareness, many people find relief and regain strength. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19’s long-term effects, one thing is certain—understanding and addressing unexpected symptoms is crucial for overall health and well-being.