In a revealing account, Ellen DeGeneres opened up about her battle with COVID-19, shedding light on an unexpected and crippling symptom: intense back pain. After contracting the virus in December 2020, DeGeneres’s experience added a new layer to our understanding of COVID-19’s broader impact.

Back pain, initially not widely recognized by health experts, surfaced as a significant symptom, likely exacerbated by the global lockdowns and the resulting sedentary lifestyle.

A 2023 study pointed to a marked increase in back pain cases during the pandemic, underlining the far-reaching physical and mental toll of the virus. Ellen’s candidness offers insight into these lesser-known effects of COVID-19, calling on both medical professionals and the public to acknowledge and empathize with the diverse, sometimes surprising challenges caused by the illness.

As the world continues to navigate the lasting consequences of the pandemic, personal stories like Ellen’s highlight the need for a holistic approach to healthcare and greater awareness of the virus’s far-reaching effects.