Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBack PainCausesIs It Serious?When to Get CarePain Relief
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Back Pain
Causes
Is It Serious?
When to Get Care
Pain Relief
Back pain is not a common symptom of uncomplicated diverticulitis. If you have diverticulitis and experience back pain, another cause may be responsible, or a complication may have developed.
As people age,diverticular diseasebecomes more common. “Diverticulosis” is the term used to describe when there are diverticula (small pouches) in the lining of the colon.
This condition doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. However, if the diverticula become infected or inflamed, abdominal pain and other symptoms can result, which is calleddiverticulitis. Diverticulitis usually needs treatment, though it can normally be done at home and not in the hospital.
This article will discuss how back pain may be a part of diverticulitis, when to seek care, and how to treat the pain at home.
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Complicated vs. Uncomplicated DiverticulitisDiverticular disease is diagnosed when there are diverticula in the colon. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is when the diverticula become inflamed or infected and there are no complications. Complicated diverticulitis is when there is also another problem (such as an abscess, peritonitis, an obstruction, a stricture, or a fistula) involved.
Complicated vs. Uncomplicated Diverticulitis
Diverticular disease is diagnosed when there are diverticula in the colon. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is when the diverticula become inflamed or infected and there are no complications. Complicated diverticulitis is when there is also another problem (such as an abscess, peritonitis, an obstruction, a stricture, or a fistula) involved.
What Does Diverticulitis Back Pain Feel Like?
Constipation is a complication that can occur with diverticulitis. As many as 50% of people who have diverticulitis also have constipation.This could also cause back pain.
When to Seek Immediate CareDiverticulitis usually isn’t an emergency. However, complicated diverticulitis may need to be treated in the hospital. Severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop, constipation that continues for several days, or severe bleeding are all reasons to seek care immediately.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Diverticulitis usually isn’t an emergency. However, complicated diverticulitis may need to be treated in the hospital. Severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop, constipation that continues for several days, or severe bleeding are all reasons to seek care immediately.
Additional Diverticulitis Flare-Up Symptoms
Some of the other symptoms that can occur with diverticulitis include:
How Long Do Flares Last?
With uncomplicated diverticulitis, most people feel better after about two weeks.Some people may go on to have lingering abdominal pain or other symptoms. It’s important to have regular visits with a healthcare provider to get those symptoms addressed.
Diagnosing Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis has similar symptoms to many other conditions. For that reason, testing might be needed to make the diagnosis or to ensure it is diverticulitis.
Some tests that may be performed include:
Is Diverticulitis Back Pain Serious?
Back pain while having a diverticulitis flare-up is important to discuss with a healthcare provider. This is because it is not a common symptom of uncomplicated diverticulitis. It could be a sign of another problem either because of the diverticulitis or in addition to it.
Complications
Some potential complications of diverticulitis may lead to back pain or referred pain, including:
When diverticulitis symptoms start, it’s important to seek care from a healthcare provider. Even if it’s not the first time it has happened. Getting a diagnosis will ensure that the right care is put in place.
Other problems can co-occur with diverticulitis. A different type of treatment might be needed if there is a complication, such as an abscess or a fistula.
Making and keeping follow-up appointments after feeling better from diverticulitis is important. A healthcare provider can help define the next steps regarding lifestyle and diet, ensure there aren’t any other problems in the digestive tract, and help you understand how to avoid flare-ups in the future.
For symptoms that include severe abdominal pain, bleeding, vomiting that won’t stop, or diarrhea or constipation that has gone on for several days, seek care right away. Severe symptoms are a reason to go to the emergency department because some complications of diverticulitis can be serious.
Diverticulitis Back Pain Relief
There are a few different ways that back pain can be treated at home.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that might be used.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) usually are not recommended during a flare-up of diverticulitis.Talk to a healthcare provider about pain relief choices.
Aheating padis another common and simple way to relieve pain. Heating pads have not been studied in diverticulitis. It’s important to follow the directions to avoid skin irritation.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend aliquid dietwhile recovering from a flare-up. There is evidence that a low-fiber diet may also be followed without causing any harm.However, some people feel better with a liquid diet.Once recovered, a diet high in fiber and low in red meat and sweets or a vegetarian diet may help prevent a recurrence.
Prescription pain medications are not often used when diverticulitis is treated at home. Options for pain relief should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Summary
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lamanna L, Moran PE.Diverticular disease.Gastroenterol Nurs. 2018;41:111-119. doi:10.1097/sga.0000000000000307.Feuerstein JD, Falchuk KR.Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91:1094-104. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.03.012.Daniels L, Ünlü Ç, de Korte N, et al. for Dutch Diverticular Disease (3D) Collaborative Study Group.Randomized clinical trial of observational versus antibiotic treatment for a first episode of CT-proven uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.Br J Surg. 2017;104:52-61. doi:10.1002/bjs.10309.Chabok A, Thorisson A, Nikberg M, et al.Changing paradigms in the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.Scand J Surg.2021:110;180–186. doi:10.1177/14574969211011032.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of diverticular disease.Koprowski MA, Affleck A, Tsikitis VL.Emerging evidence and recent controversies in diverticulitis: a 5-year review.Ann Gastroenterology.2022;35:8-16. doi:10.20524/aog.2021.0677.Onur MR, Akpinar E, Karaosmanoglu AD, Isayev C, Karcaaltincaba M.Diverticulitis: a comprehensive review with usual and unusual complications.Insights Imaging. 2017;8:19-27. doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0532-3.Hall J, Hardiman K, Lee S, et al.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of left-sided colonic diverticulitis.Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63:728-747. doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000001679.Kvasnovsky CL, Papagrigoriadis S, Bjarnason I.Increased diverticular complications with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Colorectal Dis. 2014;16:O189-O196. doi:10.1111/codi.12516.Stam MAW, Draaisma WA, Wall BJM, et al.An unrestricted diet for uncomplicated diverticulitis is safe: results of a prospective diverticulitis diet study.Colorectal Dis. 2017;19:372-377. doi:10.1111/codi.13505.Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL.AGA Clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2021;160:906-911.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lamanna L, Moran PE.Diverticular disease.Gastroenterol Nurs. 2018;41:111-119. doi:10.1097/sga.0000000000000307.Feuerstein JD, Falchuk KR.Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91:1094-104. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.03.012.Daniels L, Ünlü Ç, de Korte N, et al. for Dutch Diverticular Disease (3D) Collaborative Study Group.Randomized clinical trial of observational versus antibiotic treatment for a first episode of CT-proven uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.Br J Surg. 2017;104:52-61. doi:10.1002/bjs.10309.Chabok A, Thorisson A, Nikberg M, et al.Changing paradigms in the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.Scand J Surg.2021:110;180–186. doi:10.1177/14574969211011032.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of diverticular disease.Koprowski MA, Affleck A, Tsikitis VL.Emerging evidence and recent controversies in diverticulitis: a 5-year review.Ann Gastroenterology.2022;35:8-16. doi:10.20524/aog.2021.0677.Onur MR, Akpinar E, Karaosmanoglu AD, Isayev C, Karcaaltincaba M.Diverticulitis: a comprehensive review with usual and unusual complications.Insights Imaging. 2017;8:19-27. doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0532-3.Hall J, Hardiman K, Lee S, et al.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of left-sided colonic diverticulitis.Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63:728-747. doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000001679.Kvasnovsky CL, Papagrigoriadis S, Bjarnason I.Increased diverticular complications with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Colorectal Dis. 2014;16:O189-O196. doi:10.1111/codi.12516.Stam MAW, Draaisma WA, Wall BJM, et al.An unrestricted diet for uncomplicated diverticulitis is safe: results of a prospective diverticulitis diet study.Colorectal Dis. 2017;19:372-377. doi:10.1111/codi.13505.Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL.AGA Clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2021;160:906-911.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lamanna L, Moran PE.Diverticular disease.Gastroenterol Nurs. 2018;41:111-119. doi:10.1097/sga.0000000000000307.Feuerstein JD, Falchuk KR.Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91:1094-104. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.03.012.Daniels L, Ünlü Ç, de Korte N, et al. for Dutch Diverticular Disease (3D) Collaborative Study Group.Randomized clinical trial of observational versus antibiotic treatment for a first episode of CT-proven uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.Br J Surg. 2017;104:52-61. doi:10.1002/bjs.10309.Chabok A, Thorisson A, Nikberg M, et al.Changing paradigms in the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.Scand J Surg.2021:110;180–186. doi:10.1177/14574969211011032.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of diverticular disease.Koprowski MA, Affleck A, Tsikitis VL.Emerging evidence and recent controversies in diverticulitis: a 5-year review.Ann Gastroenterology.2022;35:8-16. doi:10.20524/aog.2021.0677.Onur MR, Akpinar E, Karaosmanoglu AD, Isayev C, Karcaaltincaba M.Diverticulitis: a comprehensive review with usual and unusual complications.Insights Imaging. 2017;8:19-27. doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0532-3.Hall J, Hardiman K, Lee S, et al.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of left-sided colonic diverticulitis.Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63:728-747. doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000001679.Kvasnovsky CL, Papagrigoriadis S, Bjarnason I.Increased diverticular complications with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Colorectal Dis. 2014;16:O189-O196. doi:10.1111/codi.12516.Stam MAW, Draaisma WA, Wall BJM, et al.An unrestricted diet for uncomplicated diverticulitis is safe: results of a prospective diverticulitis diet study.Colorectal Dis. 2017;19:372-377. doi:10.1111/codi.13505.Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL.AGA Clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2021;160:906-911.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059.
Lamanna L, Moran PE.Diverticular disease.Gastroenterol Nurs. 2018;41:111-119. doi:10.1097/sga.0000000000000307.
Feuerstein JD, Falchuk KR.Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91:1094-104. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.03.012.
Daniels L, Ünlü Ç, de Korte N, et al. for Dutch Diverticular Disease (3D) Collaborative Study Group.Randomized clinical trial of observational versus antibiotic treatment for a first episode of CT-proven uncomplicated acute diverticulitis.Br J Surg. 2017;104:52-61. doi:10.1002/bjs.10309.
Chabok A, Thorisson A, Nikberg M, et al.Changing paradigms in the management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.Scand J Surg.2021:110;180–186. doi:10.1177/14574969211011032.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of diverticular disease.
Koprowski MA, Affleck A, Tsikitis VL.Emerging evidence and recent controversies in diverticulitis: a 5-year review.Ann Gastroenterology.2022;35:8-16. doi:10.20524/aog.2021.0677.
Onur MR, Akpinar E, Karaosmanoglu AD, Isayev C, Karcaaltincaba M.Diverticulitis: a comprehensive review with usual and unusual complications.Insights Imaging. 2017;8:19-27. doi:10.1007/s13244-016-0532-3.
Hall J, Hardiman K, Lee S, et al.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of left-sided colonic diverticulitis.Dis Colon Rectum. 2020;63:728-747. doi:10.1097/dcr.0000000000001679.
Kvasnovsky CL, Papagrigoriadis S, Bjarnason I.Increased diverticular complications with nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Colorectal Dis. 2014;16:O189-O196. doi:10.1111/codi.12516.
Stam MAW, Draaisma WA, Wall BJM, et al.An unrestricted diet for uncomplicated diverticulitis is safe: results of a prospective diverticulitis diet study.Colorectal Dis. 2017;19:372-377. doi:10.1111/codi.13505.
Peery AF, Shaukat A, Strate LL.AGA Clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: expert review.Gastroenterology. 2021;160:906-911.e1. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.059.
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