Ellen DeGeneres has spent much of her life in the public eye, building a career that made her one of television’s most familiar personalities. But when her talk show wrapped after 19 seasons, she quietly stepped back from the demanding pace of daily broadcasting. Fans adjusted to seeing less of her—so when conversations about her past health struggles resurfaced, many responded with worry and heartfelt concern.
Back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, DeGeneres contracted COVID-19. Although she recovered, she later revealed a surprising and extremely painful symptom that lingered far longer than expected: intense back pain. The severity was something few people associated with the virus at the time, and her candid admission left many viewers startled.
She shared her diagnosis in December of that year, explaining that she had been following all the recommended safety measures but still fell ill. Soon after, she posted a video update in which she looked tired but insisted she was doing well. Then came the detail that grabbed everyone’s attention: the “excruciating” back pain no one had prepared her for.
“What they don’t tell you,” she said, “is that COVID gives you really bad back pain. I didn’t know that until I talked to others who had it.” Her honesty reflected the confusion many early patients felt as they compared unexpected symptoms.
At that time, health agencies like the CDC didn’t list back pain specifically as a COVID warning sign. It was grouped into the broad category of “muscle or body aches,” which didn’t fully capture how severe the discomfort could be. As more people shared their experiences, it became clear that this type of pain was common during the early variants of the virus.
Later guidance from the UK’s NHS offered more insight: when people fall sick and spend long stretches resting or isolating, their physical activity drops. That reduction in movement stiffens muscles and can worsen pre-existing aches—or trigger new ones. Many who had COVID noticed significant back and shoulder pain, particularly if they were normally active before illness.
A study from Malta further highlighted the issue. Before the pandemic, about 30% of participants reported chronic back pain. After COVID spread, that number grew to nearly half—including people who had never experienced back pain before. DeGeneres’ comments simply brought early attention to what many were quietly enduring.
It’s important to note that back pain can occur with other illnesses as well. Flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms. Fever, congestion, cough, or fatigue often help differentiate between them. Still, for many, the pandemic introduced a kind of strain—physical and emotional—that affected the body in unexpected ways.
Her experience also reflected the lifestyle changes millions faced. Working from home, sitting in uncomfortable chairs, staying indoors, and carrying increased stress all contributed to widespread reports of stiffness and pain. Even people who never caught the virus found themselves struggling with the side effects of disrupted routines.
During this period, DeGeneres also withdrew from the spotlight following controversies about her show’s workplace environment. She focused instead on personal projects, especially her passion for wildlife conservation. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda became one of her most meaningful undertakings—an effort rooted in preservation and compassion.
When she eventually returned for appearances like her interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, she spoke more openly about the surprising intensity of her back pain. She blended humor with sincerity, but it was clear that the experience left a lasting impression.
Her vulnerability resonated with countless fans. Many who had dealt with lingering COVID symptoms felt seen for the first time. People shared their own stories—of sharp, burning, or radiating pain; muscle stiffness; difficulty moving; or nerve-like tingling that persisted long after infection. Hearing a well-known figure talk about the same struggles helped reduce stigma around long-term symptoms.
Messages of support poured in. Those who had been through similar battles—or who had lost loved ones to the virus—expressed compassion. A woman who built a career bringing laughter to others found herself on the receiving end of the world’s empathy.
DeGeneres’ experience serves as a reminder of how deeply the pandemic affected people’s health, routines, and emotional well-being. Her openness helped shed light on symptoms many were afraid to discuss and emphasized that COVID was far more than a respiratory illness.
While she recovered and eventually returned to her usual routines, her story remains symbolic of those early, uncertain months. It reflects how even well-known public figures were navigating the same fears, pains, and uncertainties as everyone else.
Ultimately, her journey highlighted an important truth: COVID’s impact was often unpredictable, challenging both body and spirit long after the initial infection faded. And for many, honesty—like hers—became a source of comfort, clarity, and connection.