As Ellen DeGeneres’ iconic talk show wrapped up after 19 seasons, fans have been reflecting on her career, filled with both highs and lows. In recent years, however, the 64-year-old comedian and TV host has been in the headlines for more than just her show. Ellen shared a surprising personal health update after contracting COVID-19, revealing she experienced intense back pain—something she had no idea could be a symptom.

After stepping away from the spotlight amidst allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her show, Ellen shifted her focus to one of her passions: animal conservation. She completed a major project, The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, which had been a dream of hers for many years. But while Ellen was focusing on her new pursuits, she contracted COVID-19 in December 2020, during the peak of the pandemic.

Ellen took to social media to update her followers about her condition. Despite following all the necessary precautions, she still caught the virus, which was a shock in itself. However, what surprised her the most was the severe back pain she endured, a symptom she didn’t realize was associated with COVID-19.

A week after contracting the virus, Ellen shared another health update, reassuring her fans that she was feeling much better. “I’m 100% now,” she said, before dropping a bombshell about her experience. “What they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain,” Ellen explained. “I had no idea that was a symptom until I talked to a few other people who also had it.”

She was puzzled by the unexpected pain, asking, “Who would have thought? How come I’m having back pain?” At the time, research on COVID-19 was still developing, and many of the symptoms were not fully understood.

When COVID-19 first emerged, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) didn’t formally list back pain as a typical symptom of the virus. Early on, the most commonly recognized symptoms were fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. The CDC did mention “muscle or body aches” as a general symptom, but specific mentions of back pain were few and far between.

As more people contracted COVID, however, back pain and other musculoskeletal issues became more widely reported. The NHS in the UK began addressing why so many people with COVID were experiencing back pain and joint issues. According to the NHS, many individuals may have had pre-existing aches and pains, which were then exacerbated by the virus. Additionally, the illness itself and the resulting lack of movement during recovery can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness, further contributing to the discomfort.

The NHS also pointed out that regular movement is essential for maintaining healthy joints and muscles. People who are less active while recovering from COVID-19 may experience worsened aches, pains, and stiffness. For some, back pain and muscle soreness became lingering issues during their recovery.

Interestingly, the rise in back pain during the pandemic wasn’t just related to the virus itself. The shift to remote work also played a role. Many people found themselves working from home without proper ergonomic setups, which led to increased cases of back pain. With social restrictions in place, people were less mobile overall, spending more time sitting in non-ideal positions.

A study conducted in Malta highlighted the increase in back pain during the pandemic. The research showed that before COVID-19, about 30% of people reported chronic back pain. After the virus began spreading, that number jumped to 49%, with many individuals saying they had never experienced back issues before.

It’s important to note, as Ellen’s story reminds us, that back pain alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have COVID-19. There are many potential causes for backaches, including poor posture, lack of physical activity, or other illnesses like the flu, which can also lead to muscle aches. If you’re experiencing back pain alongside other symptoms like fever, congestion, or coughing, it may be worth looking into potential viral infections, including COVID-19 or even pneumonia.

In Ellen DeGeneres’ case, her experience with unexpected back pain serves as a reminder that the symptoms of COVID-19 can be unpredictable and varied. As more is learned about the virus, stories like Ellen’s help shine a light on the wide range of experiences people have had with this illness.