Ellen DeGeneres Described Her COVID-19 Back Pain as “Excruciating” – The Unexpected Symptom That Surprised Her

Ellen DeGeneres is known around the world for her humor and warm personality. However, in December 2020, she shared a difficult experience with her fans. After testing positive for COVID-19, she developed severe back pain that caught her completely by surprise.

At the time, many people knew about common COVID-19 symptoms. These included fever, coughing, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell. Yet Ellen discovered another painful symptom that she had not expected.

Her experience also helped bring attention to the different ways COVID-19 could affect the body.

Ellen DeGeneres Tested Positive for COVID-19

On December 10, 2020, Ellen announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19. She shared the news on social media and told her followers that she was feeling fine at that moment.

She also said that people who had been in close contact with her had been informed. In addition, she explained that she was following the recommended health guidelines.

A few days later, Ellen shared another update from home. She thanked everyone who had sent messages and said she was feeling much better.

However, she also revealed that she had experienced an unexpected problem.

The Severe Back Pain That Caught Her by Surprise

In a video shared on December 16, Ellen described the back pain she had experienced during her illness.

“One thing that they don’t tell you is you get, somehow, excruciating back pain,” she explained.

She added that she had not known back pain could be connected to COVID-19. After speaking with other people, she learned that they had experienced similar discomfort.

Her comments quickly attracted attention. Many viewers were surprised to hear about such a painful symptom.

Ellen later shared more details when she returned to her television show in January 2021. She explained that she had slept for long periods during the first few days.

Then, on the fourth day, she woke up with painful back spasms.

The pain continued, so her doctor prescribed medication to help manage it. When the first treatment did not provide enough relief, her doctor tried another approach.

Ellen said the treatment helped her feel better. She also described the pain as feeling as though she had cracked a rib.

Why COVID-19 Can Cause Muscle and Body Pain

Ellen’s experience was not proof that everyone with COVID-19 would develop severe back pain. However, muscle and body aches have been recognized as possible symptoms of the infection.

COVID-19 affects people in different ways. Some experience mild symptoms, while others face more serious health problems.

Researchers have also studied pain that continues after the initial infection. These symptoms can affect muscles, joints, and other parts of the body.

For example, a 2023 systematic review examined pain reported by people with long COVID. The researchers found that some patients continued to experience muscle, joint, and other types of pain after the initial illness.

However, the findings varied across studies. This means that researchers still need more evidence to understand why some people experience lasting pain.

The Connection Between COVID-19 and Long-Term Pain

The first stage of the pandemic focused heavily on serious breathing problems and hospital care. As time passed, doctors and researchers also began studying symptoms that continued after infection.

These symptoms became widely known as long COVID.

For some people, recovery was not quick or simple. They reported ongoing tiredness, difficulty concentrating, muscle pain, joint discomfort, and other problems.

A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences examined pain and physical difficulties among people with long COVID. It found that some patients continued to experience musculoskeletal problems.

Still, these findings do not mean every case of back pain is caused by COVID-19. Back pain can have many possible causes, including muscle strain, posture, and other health conditions.

Therefore, people with severe or lasting pain should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Why Ellen’s Story Connected With So Many People

Ellen’s comments mattered because they showed that COVID-19 could feel different from what people expected.

Many people were already worried about the virus. They were dealing with isolation, uncertainty, and changes to everyday life.

Meanwhile, some patients were facing symptoms that were difficult to explain. Pain can be especially frustrating when it is not visible to others.

Ellen’s openness helped bring attention to one of those less familiar experiences. She did not claim that everyone would have the same symptoms. Instead, she shared what had happened to her.

That simple honesty gave people another reason to listen to those describing unusual symptoms.

The Importance of Taking Unexpected Symptoms Seriously

The pandemic also showed why health information must continue to develop as new evidence becomes available.

At the beginning, many people focused on the most common and dangerous symptoms. However, later research revealed a wider range of possible effects.

Back pain and muscle aches deserve attention, especially when they are severe or continue for a long time.

In addition, recovery should not be measured only by whether someone has survived the infection. Comfort, movement, mental health, and everyday quality of life matter too.

Everyone’s experience is different. As a result, people should avoid comparing their symptoms with someone else’s or assuming that unusual pain is not important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Ellen DeGeneres test positive for COVID-19?

Yes. Ellen announced her positive test on December 10, 2020. She later shared updates about her recovery.

What symptom surprised Ellen the most?

She said that severe back pain was the most unexpected symptom she experienced. She described it as “excruciating.”

When did Ellen first talk about her back pain?

She discussed the pain in a social media video shared on December 16, 2020. She later gave more details during her television show’s return in January 2021.

Can COVID-19 cause back pain?

COVID-19 can cause muscle and body aches. Some people also report back pain during or after infection. However, back pain has many possible causes.

Can back pain continue after COVID-19?

Yes. Some people with long COVID report ongoing muscle and joint pain. However, not everyone experiences these symptoms, and research is still developing.

A Reminder That Recovery Looks Different for Everyone

Ellen DeGeneres’s experience was a reminder that COVID-19 could bring unexpected symptoms. Her severe back pain surprised her, especially because she had not expected it to be part of the illness.

Her story also encouraged people to pay attention when someone describes pain or discomfort.

The pandemic affected people in many different ways. Some faced serious illness, while others dealt with symptoms that lasted beyond the first infection.

Ultimately, listening to people and taking their concerns seriously remains important. Recovery is not always the same for everyone, and health problems should never be dismissed simply because they are unexpected.

Health Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person. Anyone experiencing severe, unusual, or persistent pain should contact a qualified healthcare professional.