With the conclusion of Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show after a successful 19-season run, her fans have taken the opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows of her career. In a more recent development, the 64-year-old actress revealed experiencing “excruciating” back pain after contracting COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic.
DeGeneres opted to step back from the limelight amidst allegations of a toxic work environment on her show, choosing instead to focus on her passion for animal conservation. She recently completed The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.
However, the actress recently shared on social media her surprise at experiencing back pain as a symptom of COVID-19 after being diagnosed with the virus in December 2020. DeGeneres assured her followers that she had taken “proper precautions” at the time of contracting the virus.
A week later, DeGeneres provided a health update, stating that she felt “100%” recovered but also shed light on an aspect of the condition that medical professionals often do not mention.
Appearing as a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday, April 20, alongside Billie Joe Armstrong and musical guests Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley, DeGeneres disclosed her unexpected experience with severe back pain as a symptom of COVID-19. She expressed surprise at this revelation and joked about her discomfort during the interview.
During the initial stages of the pandemic, when DeGeneres contracted the virus, research on symptoms was limited. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not formally list back pain as a symptom of COVID-19 at that time, though “muscle or bodily aches” were included.
Contrary to this, the NHS explains that many COVID-19 patients experienced back pain and other muscle and joint issues due to reduced physical activity while they were unwell. As people worldwide adapted to work-from-home arrangements and limited outdoor activities, back pain became a frequently reported symptom.
It’s essential to recognize that back pain alone does not necessarily indicate COVID-19. Various factors can contribute to backache, and if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough, or congestion, medical attention may be necessary to rule out other illnesses like flu or pneumonia.
Understanding the potential symptoms of COVID-19, including unexpected ones like back pain, is crucial for early detection and appropriate management of the virus.