As Ellen DeGeneres concludes her iconic talk show after 19 remarkable seasons, fans are taking a moment to contemplate the peaks and valleys of her career. Recently, the 64-year-old entertainer revealed that she experienced “excruciating” back pain following her battle with COVID-19 during the pandemic’s peak.
A Shift in Focus
In light of allegations regarding a toxic work environment on her show, DeGeneres chose to step back from public life. She redirected her energy towards animal conservation efforts, notably completing The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.
However, after testing positive for COVID-19, she took to social media to share an update about her health and expressed surprise at experiencing back pain as a symptom.
The Impact of COVID-19
DeGeneres stated that she was adhering to all recommended safety measures when she contracted the virus in December 2020. Just one week later, she provided another health update claiming that she felt “100%” better but shared insights about symptoms that medical experts often overlook.
On April 20th’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, which airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. EST and features an array of celebrities and performances, guests included Ellen DeGeneres alongside Billie Joe Armstrong and musical acts Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley.
A Surprising Symptom
“I feel fantastic,” DeGeneres remarked during the show. “What they don’t tell you is that severe back pain can occur. I had no idea this was even a symptom until I spoke with others who experienced it.” She pondered aloud how unexpected this revelation was for many people dealing with similar issues.
The Evolving Understanding of Symptoms
When COVID-19 first emerged, there was limited research available regarding its symptoms compared to what we know today. Initially, organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not list back pain as a recognized symptom; however, muscle aches were noted among early indicators.
The initial signs associated with COVID included fever or chills, coughs, shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, loss of taste or smell recently acquired by patients; sore throats; nasal congestion or runny noses; nausea or vomiting; and diarrhea.
NHS Insights on Back Pain
The National Health Service (NHS) provides insight into why many individuals experience joint and muscle discomfort post-COVID infection. According to their findings: “Many patients may have had pre-existing aches before contracting COVID.” They explain how illness can exacerbate these conditions due to decreased physical activity levels during sickness—leading to stiffness and weakness in muscles over time.
This lack of movement can result in difficulties such as standing up straight or climbing stairs effectively—symptoms frequently reported alongside shoulder discomfort during widespread lockdowns when remote work became commonplace.
A Study’s Findings
A study conducted involving 388 participants in Malta revealed striking statistics: prior to the pandemic onset only 30% reported chronic back pain while post-COVID numbers surged dramatically—with nearly half indicating new-onset discomfort despite having no previous history before this global crisis began.
Cautionary Notes on Back Pain Diagnosis
It is essential for individuals experiencing back pain not automatically assume it indicates a case of COVID-19 since various factors could contribute—including seasonal flu outbreaks prevalent across regions like the UK during winter months where respiratory illnesses thrive more readily than usual times throughout each year cycle!
- Pneumonia sufferers might also report similar sensations due thoracic inflammation/infection leading them down paths toward seeking medical attention sooner rather than later!
- Shooting pains radiating down legs;
- Pins-and-needles sensations;
- An inability relax fully;
- A persistent dull ache lingering throughout daily activities!
