Incredibly painful, says Ellen DeGeneres, I had no idea that was a symptom

According to the NHS, pre-existing aches and pains can worsen with COVID-19, especially when movement is restricted during illness. “Illness may have resurfaced or worsened these difficulties,” the NHS website notes, as physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy joints and muscles.

COVID-19 also brought significant lifestyle changes, such as an increase in remote work and more time spent indoors. Many people became less physically active, which contributed to a rise in back and shoulder pain. A study in Malta revealed that before the pandemic, 30% of participants reported chronic back pain. This number jumped to 49% after COVID-19 began, with many individuals experiencing back pain for the first time.

It’s important to remember that back pain doesn’t automatically signal a COVID-19 infection. Various factors, including flu or pneumonia, can cause back pain. When accompanied by congestion, coughing, or fever, muscle aches could point to other common illnesses. Additionally, back pain can present with symptoms such as a shooting or stabbing sensation, pain radiating down the legs, or a persistent dull ache.

While Ellen DeGeneres’ back pain was an unexpected part of her COVID-19 experience, her openness about it sheds light on how the virus can affect people in different ways, particularly as understanding of the illness continues to evolve.