‘Incredibly painful,’ says Ellen DeGeneres. ‘I had no idea that was a symptom.’

With Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show ending after 19 seasons, many fans have reflected on her career’s highs and lows. Recently, the 64-year-old spoke about experiencing “excruciating” back pain after contracting COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic.

DeGeneres decided to step away from the spotlight amid allegations of her show being a toxic workplace. She chose to focus on her passion for animal conservation, recently completing The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

However, the actress was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and shared an update on social media, expressing her surprise at back pain being one of her symptoms.

The host announced that she had contracted the virus in December 2020 despite following “proper precautions.”

A week later, DeGeneres provided a health update, declaring she was “100%” recovered. She also revealed an unexpected aspect of the condition that medical professionals “don’t tell you.”

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. EST, featuring a wide range of celebrities, athletes, musical performers, comedians, human interest stories, humorous sketches, and a house band.

On Tuesday, April 20, the guests on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” included Ellen DeGeneres, Billie Joe Armstrong, and musical guests Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley.

“I feel fantastic,” DeGeneres said. “What they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain. I had no idea that was a symptom until I spoke with a few other people.”

“Who would have thought?” DeGeneres wondered. “How come I’m having back pain?”

When Ellen DeGeneres contracted COVID-19 in 2020, there was less research into its symptoms than there is today. Initially, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not include back pain as a recognized symptom, although “muscle or body aches” were noted.

Early symptoms of COVID-19 included fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

The NHS explains why many people suffer from back pain and other joint and muscle issues. According to the NHS website, “many patients will have had some aches and pains before becoming unwell with COVID.” The illness may have resurfaced or worsened these difficulties because regular movement benefits our joints and muscles.

“People who are unwell with COVID are less active than usual. Aches, stiffness, and muscle weakness are possible outcomes.” Weak muscles can cause trouble standing, climbing stairs, gripping objects, or lifting arms above the head. As COVID-19 spread, back soreness and shoulder pain became common symptoms.

The rise in remote work also contributed to back pain. Restrictions on socializing and outdoor activities led to increased sedentary behavior, exacerbating discomfort. A study of 388 people in Malta found that 30% experienced chronic back pain before COVID-19, compared to 49% after, with many reporting back pain for the first time during the pandemic.

It’s important to understand that back pain alone doesn’t indicate COVID-19. Various factors can cause backaches. If accompanied by nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, or fever, muscle discomfort may suggest other illnesses like the flu, which is more prevalent in the UK during winter. Pneumonia can also cause back pain due to thoracic inflammation and infection. Symptoms of back discomfort can include:

– Shooting, scorching, or stabbing sensation
– Pain radiating down the leg
– Pins and needles
– Inability to relax
– A constant dull ache