Ellen DeGeneres, who recently wrapped up her long-running talk show, shared a surprising detail about her health journey following her COVID-19 diagnosis. In a recent social media update, the 64-year-old comedian and TV host explained that after contracting the virus in December 2020, one unexpected symptom she experienced was severe back pain. While COVID-19 is widely known for causing a range of symptoms, back pain was not initially recognized as one of the primary ones. Ellen’s revelation sheds light on the complexities of the illness and how different people can experience varying symptoms.
The Early Days of COVID-19 and Back Pain
When Ellen tested positive for COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic, there was still limited knowledge about the full spectrum of symptoms. At the time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, but back pain was not officially recognized. Ellen, however, was taken aback when she started experiencing intense back pain shortly after recovering from the virus. She remarked, “I feel fantastic. But what they don’t tell you is that you can have severe back pain. I didn’t know that was a symptom until I talked to a few other people.” This new insight highlights how the virus can affect individuals differently, with some experiencing symptoms that were not initially well-understood.
Connection Between COVID-19 and Musculoskeletal Pain
While back pain was not widely identified as a COVID-19 symptom at first, medical experts have since acknowledged the link between COVID-19 and muscle and joint issues. As the NHS pointed out, people with pre-existing body aches might experience a worsening of their symptoms after contracting the virus. The lack of physical activity due to illness can contribute to muscle stiffness and joint pain, a phenomenon that was especially pronounced during the pandemic when restrictions kept people indoors. The combination of inactivity and the body’s response to the virus can lead to significant discomfort in muscles and joints, particularly the back.
Pandemic Life Contributes to Increased Reports of Back Pain
The pandemic, which forced millions to work from home, also played a role in the surge of back pain complaints. As people spent more time seated in home offices or living rooms, their physical activity levels decreased, contributing to muscle weakness and stiffness. A study conducted in Malta found that 49% of participants reported experiencing back pain during the pandemic, a notable increase from the 30% who had dealt with chronic pain before the crisis. Many individuals who had never experienced back issues before COVID-19 found themselves struggling with new aches and pains, highlighting how the pandemic’s lifestyle changes affected people’s physical health in unexpected ways.
Other Factors Contributing to Back Pain
While Ellen’s back pain may have been related to her COVID-19 diagnosis, it’s important to note that not all back pain is caused by the virus. Various factors can lead to back discomfort, including other illnesses like the flu, which shares some similar symptoms with COVID-19. During the winter months, flu season can exacerbate muscle and joint pain, making it crucial to distinguish between different conditions. The pandemic’s prolonged impact on daily routines and work habits has likely contributed to more widespread complaints of back pain, even among those who haven’t been infected with COVID-19.
In summary, Ellen’s unexpected experience with back pain following her COVID-19 diagnosis reflects the many ways in which the pandemic has affected people’s health. While the virus continues to be studied, it’s clear that it can cause a range of symptoms, some of which weren’t initially identified. Ellen’s health update serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the virus and its far-reaching impact on individuals’ physical well-being.
