Ellen DeGeneres recently opened up about her battle with COVID-19, shedding light on an unexpected symptom: intense back pain. Despite taking precautions, she contracted the virus in December 2020 and shared her experience by stating, “What they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain. I had no notion that was a symptom until I spoke with a few other people.”

During the initial stages of the pandemic, the CDC did not include back pain as a recognized symptom of COVID-19, although muscle aches were mentioned. The prevalence of back pain increased as the virus spread globally, potentially influenced by limited physical activity due to lockdowns and remote work. A study conducted in Malta revealed that 49% of individuals experienced back pain after the pandemic emerged, compared to 30% before.

While back pain can be a potential symptom of COVID-19, it is essential to note that it does not automatically indicate infection. Various other factors can contribute to backaches, making it crucial to consider accompanying symptoms and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.