Diverticulitis is a digestive condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed or infected. It typically causes abdominal pain, but many patients ask: can diverticulitis cause back pain? The answer is yes — in some cases, inflammation in the colon can lead to pain that radiates to the lower back, especially on the left side.
Understanding this connection is important, particularly when symptoms overlap with spinal conditions or appear after a car accident or workplace injury.
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis develops when diverticula — small bulging pouches in the digestive tract — become inflamed or infected. This condition is more common with age and is often linked to diet and lifestyle factors.
Common risk factors include:
- Low-fiber diet
- Chronic constipation
- Aging
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
How diverticulitis can cause back pain?
Although diverticulitis primarily affects the colon, pain can sometimes be felt in the back due to the way nerves transmit signals in the body. This is known as referred pain.
Back pain may occur due to:
- Inflammation in the lower colon irritating nearby nerves.
- Referred pain from the abdomen to the lower back.
- Muscle tension caused by abdominal discomfort.
- Severe infection spreading irritation to surrounding tissues.
This pain is often felt on the left side of the lower back, which corresponds to the most common location of diverticulitis.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
If back pain is related to diverticulitis, it is usually accompanied by other digestive symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal pain, often on the lower left side.
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
- Bloating or tenderness in the abdomen.
If back pain occurs without these symptoms, the cause may be more likely related to the spine or nerves.
When is back pain a serious concern?
You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
- Severe abdominal or back pain.
- Fever along with digestive symptoms.
- Pain after a car accident or workplace injury.
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few days.
- Blood in stool or significant changes in bowel movements.
These symptoms may indicate complications such as infection, abscess, or other serious conditions requiring urgent care.
Why proper diagnosis is important?
Because back pain can have multiple causes, it’s essential to determine whether the source is digestive or spinal. A pain management specialist like Dr. Dariusz Nasiek, MD can evaluate nerve-related or musculoskeletal causes, while coordinating care if symptoms are related to internal conditions.
Advanced non-surgical treatments for back pain
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, Dr. Nasiek offers minimally invasive treatments for spine-related back pain, including:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
- Physical therapy coordination
- Chiropractic and acupuncture referrals
These treatments reduce inflammation, relieve nerve pressure, and improve mobility without surgery.
When to see a doctor?
If you are experiencing back pain along with symptoms of diverticulitis, or if your pain began after an injury, don’t wait. Early diagnosis ensures proper treatment and helps prevent complications while also supporting workers’ compensation or personal injury cases.
Book your consultation today
Don’t let back pain disrupt your life. With over 35 years of experience and triple board certification, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek, MD provides expert, compassionate care. Call 201-894-1313 or schedule your appointment today at one of our convenient New Jersey and New York locations.
