Ellen DeGeneres, a household name for over two decades, has seen the highs and lows of her career, especially as her iconic talk show concluded after 19 successful seasons. In the midst of this transition, Ellen revealed a surprising health challenge she faced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic: severe back pain, a symptom she didn’t expect from the virus.

A New Chapter After a Storied Career

Ellen decided to step away from the spotlight amid allegations that her show fostered a toxic work environment. This decision allowed her to focus on her passion for wildlife conservation, culminating in the completion of The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. However, even as she redirected her energy toward philanthropy, Ellen faced personal challenges, including contracting COVID-19 in December 2020.

The Unexpected Symptom of COVID-19

In a candid social media post, Ellen disclosed her COVID-19 diagnosis and shared her surprise at experiencing intense back pain as one of the symptoms. At the time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not officially list back pain as a symptom of COVID-19, although “muscle or body aches” were recognized. This unexpected symptom prompted Ellen to consult with others who had experienced the virus, and she discovered she wasn’t alone in dealing with back discomfort.

Ellen recounted, “I feel great now, but during that time, I had excruciating back pain. It wasn’t something I expected until I spoke with a few others who had gone through the same thing. Who would have guessed back pain could be part of it?”

A Growing Awareness of COVID-19 Symptoms

When COVID-19 first emerged, much was unknown about its symptoms and long-term effects. Early indicators primarily included fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, and the loss of taste or smell. As time went on, healthcare professionals began to notice other physical complaints, such as muscle stiffness and joint pain, becoming more common among patients recovering from the virus.

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) attributes some of these aches and pains to reduced activity levels during illness. The NHS website notes, “Many patients will have had some aches and pains before becoming unwell with COVID. Illness might have returned or made these problems worse. This is because our muscles and joints benefit from frequent movement.”

For many, the physical toll of COVID-19 was compounded by pandemic-related lifestyle changes. With work-from-home arrangements becoming the norm and social activities severely restricted, people experienced less physical movement, which led to increased stiffness, muscle weakness, and back pain.

The Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle

The rise in back pain during the pandemic was not solely due to COVID-19 infections. The shift to remote work and the lack of regular physical activity played significant roles. Many found themselves sitting for extended periods in less-than-ideal ergonomic conditions, which exacerbated back and shoulder pain.

A study conducted in Malta involving 388 participants highlighted this phenomenon. Nearly 49% of respondents reported experiencing back pain for the first time after the onset of COVID-19, while 30% of individuals with pre-existing back pain noted their symptoms had worsened.

What Back Pain Could Mean

While back pain was a surprising symptom for Ellen and others who contracted COVID-19, it’s important to note that it doesn’t automatically signal a COVID-19 infection. Back discomfort can result from various factors, including poor posture, lack of movement, or underlying conditions.

If back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, or nasal congestion, it may indicate illnesses like the flu or even pneumonia. In these cases, thoracic inflammation and infection can contribute to discomfort in the back and chest areas.

Life After COVID-19 and Ellen’s New Journey

As Ellen recovered from her bout with COVID-19, she provided a positive health update, assuring fans that she was “100%” better. Her experience with unexpected symptoms, like back pain, underscores the need for continued research into the long-term effects of the virus.

Now, Ellen is fully immersed in her efforts to support wildlife conservation and pursue her passions beyond television. Her openness about her struggles with COVID-19 serves as a reminder of the challenges many faced during the pandemic and highlights the importance of understanding our bodies as we navigate recovery and move forward.

Ellen’s resilience and dedication to her new chapter inspire both her fans and those who continue to deal with the lingering effects of the pandemic. Whether it’s through her work with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or her candid discussions about health, Ellen continues to make an impact far beyond the stage.