Diverticulitis symptoms: back pain and treatment

Low back pain is not a common symptom of simple diverticulitis. If you have diverticulitis and are experiencing lower back pain, it may be due to another cause or you may be experiencing complications.

As we get older, diverticular disease becomes more common. “Diverticulosis” is a term used to describe cases where there are diverticula (small sacs) in the lining of the colon.

This condition usually does not cause any symptoms. However, if the diverticula become infected or inflamed, symptoms such as abdominal pain may occur, a condition called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis usually requires treatment, which can usually be done at home rather than in the hospital.

This article explains how lower back pain can be part of diverticulitis, when to seek care, and how to treat the pain at home.

What does lower back pain from diverticulitis feel like?

Depending on the location of the colon, pain caused by diseases or conditions of the colon, such as diverticular disease, can lead to lower back pain. However, lower back pain is not a common symptom of diverticulitis. Abdominal pain tends to be the main symptom. This pain is often accompanied by aching or cramping.

If you have back pain, it may be due to complications of diverticulitis or another disease. Two conditions that have symptoms similar to diverticulitis and cause back pain are pancreatitis or ovarian cysts.

Constipation is a complication that can occur with diverticulitis. 50% of people with diverticulitis also have constipation. This can also cause back pain.

How to tell if your back pain is caused by diverticulitis

Lower back pain is unlikely to be the only symptom of diverticulitis. There are also other symptoms that are usually caused by flare-ups of diverticulitis.

Further recurrent symptoms of diverticulitis

Other symptoms that may occur with diverticulitis include:

• Abdominal pain (ranging from mild and intermittent to severe and constant)
• constipation
• diarrhea
• heat
• nausea
• soft abdomen
• Urinary symptoms
• vomiting

How long does the flare last?

For uncomplicated diverticulitis, most people feel better in about two weeks. Some people may experience persistent abdominal pain or other symptoms. It is important to see your health care provider regularly to manage these symptoms.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis

If you know you have diverticula in your colon or have had a flare-up of diverticulitis before, you may not need many tests to diagnose diverticulitis. In these cases, diverticulitis may be diagnosed by a health care provider based on symptoms and a physical examination of the abdomen.

Diverticulitis has symptoms similar to many other diseases. Therefore, tests may be needed to make a diagnosis or to confirm that you have diverticulitis.

Some of the tests that may be performed include:

• Blood test: In diverticulitis, the level of a protein in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) may be higher than normal. CRP is measured with a blood test. Your health care provider may also order other types of blood tests.
• Urinalysis: A urine test may be done to rule out infection as the cause of your symptoms.
• digital rectal examination: The health care worker may examine the anal area and insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the anus. This can help detect anal or rectal problems and see if there is blood or mucus in the stool.
• stool test: This test may be used to rule out colon infection as the reason for your symptoms.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is a test that creates images of the organs in your abdomen to look for problems. This test can be used to diagnose diverticulitis.
• colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is usually not done during a flare-up of diverticulitis. However, tests are usually done a few weeks after symptoms start to make sure there are no other problems with the colon.
• ultrasound examination: Abdominal ultrasound can be used to diagnose diverticulitis. However, it may not be available in some areas.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI can diagnose diverticulitis, but it is time-consuming and expensive, so it may not be used as often as CT scans or ultrasounds.
  

Is diverticulitis back pain serious?

It is important to talk to your health care provider about back pain during diverticulitis flare-ups. This is because it is not a common symptom of simple diverticulitis. It may be a sign of another problem due to or in addition to diverticulitis.

complications

Potential complications of diverticulitis include lower back pain and referred pain, such as:

• Abscess: A pocket of pus somewhere in the body
• Intestinal obstruction: a blockage in the intestine that prevents the passage of stool
• Intestinal stricture: narrowing of the inside of the intestine
• fistula: an abnormal tunnel between two organs

When to receive care

If you develop symptoms of diverticulitis, it is important to seek treatment from your health care provider. Even if it wasn’t the first time. Getting a diagnosis ensures proper treatment.

Other problems can occur at the same time as diverticulitis. If you have complications, such as an abscess or fistula, you may need a different type of treatment.

Once your diverticulitis symptoms improve, it’s important to make and maintain follow-up appointments. Your health care provider can help you define next steps regarding your lifestyle and diet, make sure there are no other problems with your gastrointestinal tract, and understand how to avoid future recurrences.

If you have symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bleeding, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea or constipation that lasts several days, seek medical treatment right away. Some complications of diverticulitis can be serious, so if your symptoms are severe, you may need to go to the emergency room.

Diverticulitis lower back pain relief

There are several ways to treat back pain at home.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that may be used. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), are usually not recommended during diverticulitis flare-ups. Talk to your health care provider about choosing a pain reliever.

Heating pads are also a common and easy way to reduce pain. There have been no studies of heating pads for diverticulitis. It is important to follow the instructions to avoid skin irritation.

In some cases, your health care provider may recommend a liquid diet while you are recovering from a flare-up. There is evidence that following a low-fiber diet may not be harmful. However, some people feel better on a liquid diet. Once you recover, a diet high in fiber and low in red meat and sweets, or a vegetarian diet may help prevent recurrence.

Prescription pain medications are not often used to treat diverticulitis at home. You should discuss options for pain relief with your healthcare provider.

summary

Back pain is not common with diverticulitis. People with lower back pain are encouraged to consult their health care provider to ensure that their pain is not caused by a medical complication. Acetaminophen, heating pads, or dietary changes may reduce pain. For pain that lasts more than a few days or is severe, you should consult your health care professional.