Ellen DeGeneres, known for her long-running chat show, recently faced COVID-19 and shared her surprising experience with the illness on social media. In December 2020, at the height of the pandemic, DeGeneres contracted COVID-19 despite taking proper precautions. She revealed that one unexpected symptom of the virus was “severe back pain,” a symptom not widely known at the time.
DeGeneres recovered from COVID-19 within a week and appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to share her experience. She expressed her astonishment at experiencing back pain and pondered why it was a symptom. At the beginning of the pandemic, back pain was not officially listed as a COVID-19 symptom by health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
However, it’s worth noting that various symptoms, including muscle or bodily aches, have been associated with COVID-19. Back pain could result from the reduced physical activity experienced by COVID-19 patients.
Additionally, the rise of remote work during the pandemic and reduced mobility due to lockdowns contributed to back pain in many individuals. A study found an increase in back pain cases after the onset of COVID-19.
While back pain can be a symptom of COVID-19, it’s essential to consider other factors and symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you experience unusual symptoms, especially during a pandemic when symptoms can vary widely.
