As the world grappled with COVID-19, people learned to expect symptoms like fever, fatigue, and cough. However, some lesser-known symptoms have caught many by surprise, including TV host Ellen DeGeneres. After contracting COVID-19, the 64-year-old star experienced severe back pain, a symptom she hadn’t anticipated. In a heartfelt social media post, Ellen shared her surprise and frustration, expressing disbelief that something as severe as back pain could be associated with the virus.
Ellen’s Unexpected Symptom: The Story Behind Her Experience
During the height of the pandemic, Ellen DeGeneres contracted COVID-19. Known for her iconic daytime talk show, she had already stepped back from her usual routine amid allegations of a toxic workplace, instead focusing on animal conservation and environmental causes. Yet, when COVID struck, she was unprepared for what came next. “I feel fantastic now,” she stated in a video update, “but I had no idea that back pain was even a symptom of COVID.”
Ellen went on to explain that the excruciating back pain wasn’t something doctors or early research had mentioned. It wasn’t until she began talking to other people with COVID-19 that she realized she wasn’t alone. “Who would have thought?” she mused. For her, this discovery became a small part of the overwhelming COVID journey, highlighting how the virus could bring unexpected and often unexplained symptoms.
COVID-19 and Back Pain: A Surprising Connection
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially focused on symptoms like fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell, muscle pain and body aches were also common. Back pain, however, wasn’t explicitly included as a symptom until later. As more cases emerged, people began reporting all kinds of muscular discomfort, from backaches to joint pain and muscle soreness.
But why would COVID-19 cause back pain? According to the National Health Service (NHS), inactivity may play a significant role. The virus often forces people to be less active, leading to muscle stiffness, aches, and even muscle weakness. Essentially, the lack of movement due to illness can contribute to back pain, especially for those who may already have preexisting muscle or joint issues.
How the Pandemic Lifestyle Contributed to Back Pain
Beyond the direct effects of the virus, pandemic-related lifestyle changes may have also intensified back pain. As lockdowns and social distancing measures kept people indoors, many shifted to working from home, often without ergonomic setups. Hours spent hunched over laptops at kitchen tables or sitting on couches took a toll on people’s posture and spinal health. These changes made back pain one of the most commonly reported pandemic-related complaints, whether people had contracted COVID or not.
A study conducted in Malta, which surveyed 388 people, found that the percentage of those experiencing chronic back pain jumped from 30% pre-pandemic to 49% afterward. Most of those experiencing back pain post-COVID reported that they hadn’t had back issues before. This suggests that changes in daily routines—combined with the virus itself—could have long-term impacts on physical health.
Other Unexpected Symptoms of COVID-19
In addition to back pain, people have reported various unexpected COVID symptoms as the virus spread across the globe. These include:
1. Loss of Taste and Smell
While widely known now, the loss of taste and smell surprised many in the early days of the pandemic. This symptom can persist for weeks, even months, after recovery.
2. Brain Fog
Some COVID patients have experienced cognitive issues, commonly referred to as “brain fog.” This can manifest as trouble concentrating, memory lapses, or difficulty thinking clearly.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues
Many COVID sufferers have also reported symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, highlighting that the virus can affect multiple systems beyond the respiratory tract.
4. Skin Conditions
Unusual rashes, including “COVID toes,” which causes purple or red swelling on the toes, have also been documented as potential symptoms of the virus.
These unexpected symptoms underscore how much there is yet to understand about COVID-19. While respiratory symptoms remain the most common, the virus has proven to have wide-ranging effects on various bodily systems.
Managing Back Pain and Other COVID-Related Discomfort
If you’re struggling with back pain related to COVID-19 or simply due to a more sedentary pandemic lifestyle, there are several ways to alleviate discomfort:
1. Stay Active and Stretch Regularly
Gentle movement is essential for maintaining muscle health. Try low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, or yoga to keep your muscles flexible and prevent stiffness. Even if you’re recovering from COVID, gentle stretching can help ease aches without overtaxing your body.
2. Maintain Good Posture
If you’re working from home, ensure you have an ergonomic setup. Use a supportive chair, keep your computer screen at eye level, and avoid sitting for long periods. Set a timer to stand up and stretch every hour to prevent back strain.
3. Use Heat or Ice Therapy
Alternating between heat and ice can help reduce inflammation and relieve sore muscles. Ice can help numb acute pain, while heat encourages blood flow to stiff muscles, promoting relaxation.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, always consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying conditions or concerns.
5. Consult a Medical Professional
If your back pain persists or worsens, seek medical advice. Persistent pain can indicate a need for specialized care, such as physical therapy, to prevent further complications.
Evolving Understanding of COVID-19’s Impact on Health
The discovery of lesser-known symptoms like back pain serves as a reminder of how complex COVID-19 can be. Early on, the focus was on respiratory symptoms, yet as the pandemic unfolded, people began reporting a vast array of effects on their health, ranging from cardiovascular and neurological symptoms to mental health issues. Ongoing research continues to shed light on how the virus impacts different body systems and affects long-term recovery.
Final Thoughts: Taking Care of Your Health Amid Uncertainty
Ellen DeGeneres’ experience with COVID-19 is a stark reminder that the virus can affect everyone differently. As she shared her unexpected struggle with back pain, she also helped raise awareness about the range of symptoms that COVID can bring. Her story resonates with the experiences of many others who found themselves facing symptoms they didn’t anticipate, as well as with those who continue to grapple with the virus’s long-term effects.
For anyone recovering from COVID-19, staying mindful of your body and paying attention to new or persistent symptoms is crucial. Though the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, it has also sparked a greater understanding of the importance of self-care, from maintaining an active lifestyle to listening to your body’s signals. As we continue to learn more about COVID’s impact, taking proactive steps to support your health—whether that means stretching more, prioritizing ergonomic setups, or seeking medical advice—can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and overall well-being.
