Ellen DeGeneres, known for her long-running chat show, recently shared her experience with Covid-19 and the unexpected symptom she encountered: excruciating back pain. The 64-year-old celebrity contracted the virus during the height of the pandemic and took to social media to provide updates on her health.
DeGeneres revealed that she followed the proper guidelines when she tested positive for Covid-19 in December 2020. About a week later, she shared that she was feeling “100 percent” better but also mentioned a symptom that medical professionals don’t often discuss – back pain.
“I feel really good. One thing they don’t tell you is you get, somehow, excruciating back pain. Didn’t know that was a symptom, but I talked to some other people. Back pain. Who knew? How come? Back pain. Bad,” DeGeneres shared.
During the early stages of the pandemic, back pain was not specifically listed as a symptom by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), although “muscle or body aches” was included. As research progressed and more information became available, it was discovered that back pain could indeed be a symptom of Covid-19.
The NHS explains that many people experience back pain and joint and muscle problems due to being unwell with Covid-19. When individuals are ill, their level of activity decreases, leading to aches, pains, stiffness, and muscle weakness. This can make daily activities like standing, climbing stairs, and lifting objects challenging.
Back pain has also been associated with long Covid, which has affected a significant number of individuals in the UK. The increase in remote work during the pandemic has contributed to the rise in back pain cases. Even when people didn’t have to work from home, restrictions on socializing and outdoor activities resulted in less mobility and more time spent sitting down.
A study from Malta found that since the emergence of Covid-19, the percentage of people experiencing chronic back pain increased from 30 percent to 49 percent. Many of those who developed back pain during this time had never experienced it before the pandemic.
It’s important to note that having back pain alone does not necessarily mean you have Covid-19. Backache can be caused by various factors, and even if it is accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, fever, or muscle aches, it can indicate other illnesses like the flu. Back pain is also commonly experienced by individuals with pneumonia.
If you are experiencing back pain along with other symptoms or are concerned about your health, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Remember, taking care of your physical well-being, staying active, and maintaining good posture are essential for preventing and managing back pain, whether due to Covid-19 or other causes.
Stay safe, stay healthy!
