After 19 seasons, Ellen DeGeneres’ iconic talk show came to an end, prompting reflections on her career highs and lows. In addition to stepping back from the spotlight due to allegations of a toxic work environment on her show, DeGeneres redirected her energy toward animal conservation, including her work on the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. During this period, she contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, an experience she later described as surprising due to an unusual symptom: severe back pain. Despite taking precautions, the virus impacted her physically in ways that were not widely discussed at the time, highlighting how varied COVID-19 symptoms could be.
DeGeneres shared details about her experience on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in April 2021, explaining that she had felt “excruciating” back pain during her illness. She noted that few people recognized back pain as a symptom early in the pandemic, expressing genuine surprise at the discomfort she experienced. Although she recovered fully within a week, her account illustrated a broader pattern that was emerging among COVID-19 patients: symptoms extended beyond the initially recognized fever, cough, and fatigue. Her disclosure brought attention to the less-publicized effects of the virus, including musculoskeletal discomfort.
When DeGeneres contracted the virus, research on COVID-19 symptoms was still limited. The CDC initially listed common symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, and loss of taste or smell, but back pain was not specifically mentioned. Over time, the NHS and other health organizations clarified that musculoskeletal pain could occur in patients, particularly because pre-existing aches might be worsened by illness. Reduced movement during infection could exacerbate stiffness and discomfort, showing how the virus could indirectly impact the musculoskeletal system.
Back and joint pain associated with COVID-19 could significantly affect daily activities. Muscle weakness and fatigue made routine tasks—like climbing stairs, standing for long periods, or lifting objects—more difficult for many patients. Furthermore, the pandemic introduced additional contributors to back discomfort. Remote work, social restrictions, and reduced outdoor activity increased sedentary behavior, which compounded the effects of infection-related muscle and joint pain, creating a broader public health concern.
Research studies confirmed these trends, including a study in Malta involving 388 participants. It found that chronic back pain prevalence increased from 30% before the pandemic to 49% following COVID-19 exposure. Many individuals had never experienced back pain prior to the pandemic, suggesting that both the virus itself and pandemic-related lifestyle changes contributed to the rise in musculoskeletal complaints. These findings underscored the need for awareness about COVID-19’s broader impacts, including those beyond respiratory symptoms.
Despite these observations, it’s important to note that back pain alone does not indicate COVID-19. It can stem from many causes, including flu, pneumonia, or other infections that affect muscles and joints. Symptoms may range from dull, persistent aches to shooting or stabbing sensations, radiating pain, or pins-and-needles feelings. Understanding the full context of symptoms, such as accompanying fever, congestion, or respiratory issues, is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment, highlighting the complexity of musculoskeletal health during a global pandemic.
