Ellen DeGeneres recently revealed her battle with COVID-19, highlighting an unexpected symptom: excruciating back pain. Despite taking precautions, she contracted the virus in December 2020.

At the pandemic’s onset, the CDC didn’t list back pain as a COVID symptom, although muscle aches were mentioned. Back pain became increasingly reported as the virus spread globally, partly due to limited physical activity caused by lockdowns and remote work.

A study in Malta found that 49% of people experienced back pain following the pandemic’s emergence, compared to 30% before. While back pain can be a symptom of COVID-19, it doesn’t automatically imply infection.

Many other factors can cause backaches, so it’s crucial to consider other symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.