As Ellen DeGeneres’ long-running talk show comes to an end after an impressive 19 seasons, fans have been reflecting on the highs and lows of her career. The 64-year-old television icon, who has been in the public eye for decades, has faced both admiration and controversy. Among the challenges she has encountered, one particularly painful experience stands out—her battle with COVID-19 and an unexpected symptom that took her by surprise.
During the peak of the pandemic, DeGeneres contracted COVID-19, a moment that was alarming not only for her but also for her fans. While she followed all the necessary precautions, the illness hit her harder than she had anticipated. After a week of battling the virus, she recovered fully, but not before experiencing what she described as “excruciating” back pain—something she had not expected to be related to COVID-19.
Despite being known for her upbeat personality and quick wit, DeGeneres was candid about her experience. She opened up about her struggles on social media and later shared more details in an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Reflecting on her battle with COVID-19, she admitted that she was taken aback by the severity of the back pain she experienced. “They don’t tell you that you’d have excruciating back pain,” she remarked. “Until I talked to a few other people, I didn’t know that was a symptom.”
At the time DeGeneres first contracted the virus in December 2020, scientific research on COVID-19 symptoms was still evolving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had not officially recognized back pain as a common symptom, though “muscle or body aches” were listed as a possible effect of the illness. Early documented symptoms included fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, back pain was not widely acknowledged as part of the illness.
DeGeneres’ revelation shed light on a symptom that many others would later report as well. While it may not have been one of the earliest known signs of COVID-19, back pain became an increasingly common issue among patients, particularly those who experienced prolonged illness or lingering effects after recovery.
Medical professionals and health organizations have since taken a closer look at the correlation between COVID-19 and musculoskeletal pain. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has acknowledged the high prevalence of back pain and other muscle and joint issues among COVID-19 patients. According to the NHS website, “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.” The site further explains that a lack of physical activity during the illness can contribute to muscle weakness, stiffness, and discomfort.
The impact of reduced mobility during COVID-19 cannot be overstated. Many individuals who tested positive for the virus found themselves bedridden or significantly less active than usual, leading to weakened muscles and increased stiffness. The NHS noted that those recovering from COVID-19 often struggled with simple tasks such as standing up, walking upstairs, lifting objects, or raising their arms above their heads due to muscle fatigue and pain. Reports from around the world confirmed that back pain and shoulder aches were common complaints as the virus spread.
Beyond the direct effects of COVID-19 on the body, lifestyle changes during the pandemic also played a role in the rise of musculoskeletal issues. With more people working remotely and spending extended hours sitting at home, reports of back pain skyrocketed. A study conducted in Malta, which examined 388 participants, found that 30% of people had chronic back pain before the pandemic. However, after the shift to remote work and reduced physical movement, that number rose to 49%, with many individuals experiencing back pain for the first time in their lives.
While DeGeneres’ experience highlighted an underrecognized symptom of COVID-19, it is important to note that back pain alone does not necessarily indicate a coronavirus infection. Various factors can contribute to back discomfort, including poor posture, stress, prolonged sitting, or other underlying medical conditions. However, when back pain is accompanied by other symptoms—such as fever, coughing, sneezing, or nasal congestion—it could signal an illness such as the flu or, in some cases, pneumonia.
Inflammation in the chest, another potential effect of COVID-19, can also contribute to back pain. The human body is interconnected, and when the lungs or respiratory system are inflamed, it can lead to discomfort in surrounding areas, including the back and shoulders. This explains why some COVID-19 patients reported experiencing deep, persistent aches that extended beyond the usual muscle fatigue.
For DeGeneres, the revelation that back pain could be linked to COVID-19 was surprising, but it was also a moment of connection with others who had shared similar experiences. Her openness about her symptoms helped bring awareness to an aspect of the virus that had not received as much attention in mainstream discussions. By speaking candidly about her experience, she encouraged more people to acknowledge and validate their own struggles with COVID-related symptoms.
Despite her battle with the virus, DeGeneres remained resilient. After her recovery, she refocused her energy on her passion for animal conservation. Having completed the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, she chose to step away from the public eye to dedicate more time to causes close to her heart. Her transition from a television personality to a conservation advocate marked a significant shift in her career, but it also allowed her to find fulfillment in a different way.
As her talk show drew to a close, DeGeneres expressed gratitude for the years she spent connecting with audiences worldwide. While her career has had its share of ups and downs, her ability to use her platform for awareness and change remains one of her lasting legacies. Whether through humor, heartfelt conversations, or shedding light on unexpected health challenges, she has continued to leave an impact on her audience.
Her experience with COVID-19 and its surprising effects serves as a reminder that the virus manifests differently in each individual. While medical research continues to uncover new information about long-term effects, stories like DeGeneres’ help to broaden public understanding of the virus and its potential impact. For those who have battled COVID-19, her story is a testament to resilience—and for those who have yet to encounter it, it serves as a valuable insight into the unpredictable nature of the illness.
As she moves forward into this new chapter of her life, one thing remains certain: Ellen DeGeneres will continue to inspire, whether through her advocacy, her humor, or simply her willingness to share her personal experiences.
