As Ellen DeGeneres wrapped up her iconic daytime talk show after nineteen seasons, she opened up about one of the lesser-known health challenges she experienced during the pandemic: unexpected back discomfort following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
In December 2020, Ellen shared that she had tested positive for COVID-19, despite having followed safety protocols. A week later, she announced she was feeling much better, but one symptom stood out as particularly surprising.
During a lighthearted interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in April 2021, Ellen spoke candidly about her experience. “What they don’t tell you is that you may experience severe back pain,” she said with a chuckle. “I had no idea until I started talking to other people who went through the same thing.”
At the time, back pain wasn’t widely discussed as a potential symptom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially focused on more common signs such as fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. General muscle aches were included, but specific areas like the back weren’t often mentioned.
Later, health guidance from organizations such as the UK’s National Health Service noted that physical inactivity and inflammation during illness could lead to discomfort or stiffness, especially for individuals already managing joint or muscle concerns.
One small study in Malta involving 388 participants found that while around 30% had chronic back discomfort before the pandemic, nearly half reported new or worsening symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. However, health experts are careful to point out that back pain can result from a variety of causes—including flu, poor posture, or prolonged periods of sitting during remote work—and isn’t necessarily linked to any one condition.
After stepping away from the spotlight, Ellen has turned her focus toward animal conservation, including her work on the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. Still, her reflections on her health during the pandemic have resonated with many.
Her experience is a reminder that listening to your body is important—and that sometimes symptoms can appear in ways we don’t expect.
