Ellen DeGeneres Reflects on Her Show’s End and COVID-19 Battle

With Ellen DeGeneres’ popular talk show ending after 19 seasons, fans have been reflecting on her career’s ups and downs. Recently, Ellen, now 64, revealed a surprising detail about her COVID-19 experience: “excruciating” back pain.

A Surprising COVID-19 Symptom

When DeGeneres contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, she took every precaution. A week later, she was feeling “100%” better but noted something unexpected—intense back pain, a symptom not widely recognized at the time. On “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on April 20, 2021, Ellen explained, “I feel fantastic now, but what they don’t tell you is that you’ll have severe back pain.”

Limited Research on COVID-19 Symptoms at the Time

Since DeGeneres’ case occurred early in the pandemic, research on symptoms was still limited. The CDC had not included back pain specifically, though it did acknowledge muscle aches. However, as the virus spread, reports of back pain and joint discomfort grew more common, especially as people remained sedentary due to social restrictions.

Remote Work and Increased Back Pain

The shift to remote work also contributed to increased reports of back pain, as people spent more time sitting and less time engaging in physical activities. A study in Malta, involving 388 participants, found that back pain rates rose from 30% before the pandemic to 49% after it began.

Understanding Back Pain Causes

It’s crucial to note that back pain isn’t exclusive to COVID-19. Other illnesses, like the flu and pneumonia, can also cause discomfort. Additionally, common back pain symptoms might include sharp or radiating pain, a pins-and-needles sensation, or a dull ache, which could stem from various health conditions.

In the face of health challenges, Ellen has redirected her focus toward her passion for animal conservation, completing the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.