Ellen DeGeneres is opening up about her battle with COVID-19—and the unexpected agony it brought with it. The beloved talk show host, who tested positive for the virus in December 2020, recently revealed a lesser-known and debilitating symptom: intense back pain.
“What they don’t tell you is that you can have severe back pain,” DeGeneres shared. “I had no idea that was even a symptom until I talked to a few other people.” Her candid admission has shed light on the often-overlooked side effects of the virus, sparking renewed interest in its wide-ranging and unpredictable symptoms.
While most people associate COVID-19 with fever, fatigue, and cough, DeGeneres’ experience underscores how the virus can manifest in surprising ways. In her case, the pain was excruciating—far worse than she had anticipated. And she’s not alone. Many others have reported similar musculoskeletal issues, including back and joint pain, which experts believe may stem from the body’s inflammatory response to the virus.
DeGeneres’ story has resonated with countless others who endured similar symptoms but never linked them to COVID-19. Health professionals note that while back pain isn’t among the most common indicators, it’s not unusual—and it serves as a reminder of how diverse and complex the virus’s effects can be.
As the world continues to learn about the long-term impact of COVID-19, personal stories like Ellen’s are a powerful reminder: no two cases are exactly alike. Her willingness to speak out is helping raise awareness and offer reassurance to others navigating their own unexpected symptoms.
