Ellen DeGeneres has spent decades in front of the camera, building a career that made her one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment. But the end of her talk show after 19 seasons marked a major shift in her life—pushing her away from the daily spotlight and into a quieter chapter focused on personal priorities. Even so, fans were alarmed when news about her health surfaced, sparking concern and sympathy online.
The 64-year-old comedian had been dealing with lingering effects of a COVID-19 infection she contracted at the height of the pandemic. What surprised everyone was the severity of her symptoms afterward—particularly the sudden, “excruciating” back pain she described. This wasn’t a symptom many associated with the virus at the time, and her public admission caused confusion, fear, and questions.
Her diagnosis came in December 2020, when the world was still trying to understand COVID-19. DeGeneres revealed that she had followed all recommended precautions, yet still contracted the virus. Days later, she updated fans while sitting upright on a couch, visibly drained. Though she insisted she was feeling “100%,” she added a detail that shocked viewers: no one had warned her about the intense back pain.
“What they don’t tell you,” she said, “is that COVID gives you extreme back pain. I didn’t know that until I talked to a few other people.” Her tone combined frustration and disbelief—an honest reaction to a symptom many early COVID patients discovered the hard way.
At the time, medical experts hadn’t yet connected the dots. The CDC did not list back pain as an official symptom, instead categorizing physical discomfort under “muscle or body aches.” That broad label didn’t convey how severe some pain could be. Early attention focused on fever, cough, shortness of breath, and the well-known loss of taste and smell. But as cases grew, so did reports of intense joint and muscle discomfort, especially in the back and shoulders.
The UK’s NHS later clarified the issue. Illness, particularly one requiring isolation or bed rest, reduces physical activity. Less movement leads to stiff, weakened muscles that become prone to pain. People who already had minor aches experienced intensified discomfort, making back pain one of the most common lingering issues for previously active individuals.
A study in Malta highlighted the problem further. Before the pandemic, about 30% of participants reported chronic back pain. After COVID spread, that number jumped to nearly half, with many experiencing back problems for the first time. DeGeneres was far from alone—her openness simply helped others recognize what they were going through.
Of course, back pain alone doesn’t automatically indicate COVID. Winter illnesses like the flu can cause body aches and stiffness, while pneumonia can also trigger pain near the lungs. Other symptoms—fever, congestion, sneezing, coughing—often help distinguish one illness from another. But COVID made everyday life physically harder for many, even those with mild respiratory symptoms.
DeGeneres’ experience also highlighted lifestyle changes during lockdowns. Millions were forced to work from home, often at kitchen tables, couches, or makeshift desks. Poor posture, limited movement, and stress created ideal conditions for back and shoulder pain. Even those who avoided the virus found themselves dealing with pandemic-related physical strain.
Her story reflected a larger reality: COVID impacted more than just lungs. It affected bodies, routines, mental health, and lifestyles. And like many others, DeGeneres discovered how much strain her body had endured once she slowed down.
During this period, she also stepped back from public life. Controversies surrounding workplace environment allegations prompted reflection and a focus on meaningful personal projects. She devoted time to wildlife conservation, creating The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda—a major effort combining philanthropy, science, and environmental protection.
When she returned to television, such as her interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she spoke candidly about her back pain. She blended humor with seriousness, and viewers could sense how humbling the experience had been.
Many fans connected deeply with her story. People worldwide had experienced unexplained aches and long-term symptoms after COVID. Hearing a celebrity share the same struggles made them feel seen, helping reduce stigma around long-COVID symptoms.
Back pain linked to illness can take many forms:
Sharp or stabbing sensations
Burning or radiating aches
Pain traveling down the leg
Pins-and-needles tingling
Difficulty moving or lifting objects
Constant dull throbbing
DeGeneres described her discomfort as intense enough to disrupt daily life—comparable to spasms or a slipped disc. For many, it was frightening and unexpected.
The response from fans was overwhelmingly supportive. People shared their own COVID experiences, offered empathy, and sent messages of strength and healing. A woman who had spent years making others laugh became the recipient of care and understanding.
Ellen DeGeneres’ journey through COVID and its lingering effects is a reminder of how profoundly the pandemic affected everyone, regardless of fame or wealth. Her decision to speak honestly about the struggle brought clarity at a time when transparency about the virus was desperately needed.
While her back pain eventually subsided, her story captures a moment in history when even the most familiar figures faced uncertainty, fear, and physical strain. For many, COVID wasn’t just a respiratory illness—it became a full-body challenge, testing endurance, patience, and resilience long after the initial infection.