“Incredibly painful,” says Ellen DeGeneres. “I had no idea that was a symptom.”
With the conclusion of Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show after an impressive 19 seasons, it’s a fitting time to look back on both the triumphant and the challenging moments of her career.
A notable incident in this journey unfolded when the beloved 64-year-old entertainer faced a surprising and painful experience after contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Ellen, known not only for her humor but also for her genuine compassion, chose to step back from the limelight following allegations concerning her show’s workplace environment.
She then turned her attention toward her passion for wildlife conservation, culminating in the creation of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.
Yet, Ellen’s encounter with COVID-19 introduced her to an unexpected symptom: severe back pain. She shared this revelation with her fans through a candid update on social media, surprising many who had been unaware back pain could be linked to the virus.
In December 2020, Ellen took all the recommended safety measures but still contracted COVID-19.
Just a week into her recovery, Ellen announced she was feeling “100%” better. However, she noted an omitted detail medical experts might forget to mention, concerning back pain’s role among COVID-19 symptoms.
Each weeknight at 11:35 p.m. EST, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” entertains audiences with a blend of celebrity guests, comedic segments, insightful human interest tales, and live music performances.
“I’m feeling great,” Ellen expressed, “but what caught me off guard was the intense back pain. I didn’t realize this could be a symptom of COVID until talking with others who had experienced the same.”
“Who would have thought of such a thing?” Ellen exclaimed, as she pondered aloud her reaction to the intense backaches.
During the early days of COVID, the understanding of symptoms was still developing. Initially, back pain was not listed among the symptoms by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, “muscle or body aches” were acknowledged as common signs.
Early symptoms of COVID included fever, a persistent cough, and fatigue, while some individuals reported more alarming signs like the sudden loss of taste or smell, and digestive disruptions such as nausea or diarrhea.
Explaining the prevalence of back pain during COVID, the National Health Service (NHS) recognizes that many people had existing aches or experienced exacerbation due to lack of movement during infection.
COVID-19’s disruptive influence led many, who were typically active, to lead sedentary lifestyles, exacerbating conditions such as muscle weakness, which can manifest as increased pain while performing daily activities.
The shift to working from home also led to physical discomfort as people spent longer hours seated with limited exercise. The impact of these changes was significant, as shown in a Maltese study where back pain incidence rose from 30% pre-COVID to 49% afterwards.
It is crucial to understand that back pain can arise from numerous causes and not solely from COVID. Conditions such as influenza or pneumonia might present with back pain due to inflammation, in addition to their typical symptoms like coughing and fever.
If you notice intense shooting pain, numbness, or persistent aches, seeking medical advice is recommended for a correct diagnosis and relief.
If you’ve ever encountered unexpected symptoms or want to share your experience, we encourage you to reach out and exchange thoughts with others. Your story might just be the connection someone else needs.
