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Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the large intestine (bowel). It occurs when diverticula, or pouches in the lining of the intestine, become inflamed or infected. While the exact cause of diverticulitis is unknown, it is believed to be associated with a low-fibre diet, certain medications, and constipation. The symptoms of diverticulitis typically include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and constipation or diarrhoea. In some cases, diverticulitis can lead to severe complications such as bowel obstruction, abscesses, and fistulas. Given the potential severity of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine if muscle pain is related to diverticulitis or another condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain | Back pain: Cramps and abdominal pain caused by diverticulitis can radiate to the back, causing low back pain. |
| Abdominal pain, often severe and persistent for several hours or days, or until you have a bowel movement. Usually located on the lower left side of the abdomen. | |
| Cause of muscle pain | The exact cause of diverticulitis is unknown, but it is associated with not eating enough fibre. |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, painkillers (paracetamol), and a high-fibre diet are recommended. NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended due to the risk of stomach upset and internal bleeding. |
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What You'll Learn
Diverticulitis and muscle pain
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the large intestine or bowel. It occurs when small pouches, called diverticula, develop in the lining of the intestine. These pouches can become inflamed or infected, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and constipation or diarrhea. While diverticulitis typically causes abdominal pain, it can also lead to back pain. This occurs when the cramps and abdominal pain associated with diverticulitis radiate to the back, resulting in lower back pain.
The exact cause of diverticulitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with a low-fiber diet. A lack of fiber can lead to constipation, as stool moves more slowly through the large intestine and becomes dry and hard to pass. This increases pressure in the large intestine, causing weak spots in the intestinal muscle and allowing the inner lining to push through, forming diverticula.
In addition to abdominal and back pain, diverticulitis can cause other types of muscle pain. For example, if the inflammation associated with diverticulitis spreads to the wall of the intestine, surrounding tissue, or nearby organs, it can result in muscle pain in those areas. This can include pain in the abdominal muscles and back muscles, as well as muscles in the pelvic region, depending on the specific location of the inflammation.
It is important to note that the symptoms of diverticulitis can vary widely from person to person, and some people with diverticulosis may experience no symptoms at all. However, if left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to serious complications, including bowel obstruction, abscesses, fistulas, and intestinal perforation. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms of diverticulitis, including muscle pain, to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Diverticulitis causes
Diverticulitis is a condition that affects the large intestine (bowel). It occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the lining of the intestine become inflamed or infected. These pouches are typically harmless, but they can sometimes cause bowel problems and pain.
The exact cause of diverticulitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with a low-fibre diet. Fibre adds bulk to stools, making them softer and easier to pass. A low-fibre diet can lead to constipation, causing the muscles to strain and increasing pressure in the large intestine. This increased pressure can lead to the formation of diverticula. If faeces or bacteria enter these pouches, they can become inflamed and infected, resulting in diverticulitis. While a low-fibre diet is considered a risk factor, it is not the only determinant, as other factors also contribute to the development of diverticulitis.
Certain medications can also increase the risk of developing diverticulitis. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, opioids, steroids, and naproxen sodium. It is important to note that NSAIDs are not recommended for pain management in diverticulitis due to their potential to cause stomach issues and increase the risk of internal bleeding.
Additionally, diverticulitis is more prevalent in Western countries, where low-fibre diets are common. It is estimated that by the age of 40, about 5% of individuals have diverticula, and this number increases to at least 50% by the age of 80. While most people with diverticula do not experience symptoms, those who do are diagnosed with diverticular disease.
In summary, diverticulitis is caused by the inflammation or infection of diverticula, which are pouches in the lining of the large intestine. It is associated with a low-fibre diet, leading to increased pressure and the potential entry of faeces or bacteria into the pouches. Certain medications and a higher prevalence in Western countries also contribute to the development of diverticulitis.
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Diverticulitis diagnosis
Diverticulitis occurs when pouches, or diverticula, in the colon become inflamed and/or infected. These pouches are common in people over 50, but most people never experience any problems with them. However, if they do become inflamed, this can cause acute pain and other symptoms, and may indicate an infection requiring medical attention.
Diverticulitis is typically diagnosed by a doctor following a review of medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. The symptoms of diverticulitis can resemble many other conditions, so doctors may first recommend blood, stool, or urine tests to rule out other causes, such as coeliac disease, bowel cancer, or pregnancy.
If diverticulitis is suspected, doctors will use imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. A CT scan is the best test for diagnosing diverticulitis, as it can show the extent of the inflammation and any related complications. The patient may receive an intravenous injection of contrast material, and/or drink an oral contrast material, to help the radiologist better visualise the intestinal tract.
In some cases, a colonoscopy may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis of diverticular disease and rule out other conditions, such as cancer. A colonoscopy can also be used to treat some complications. During a colonoscopy, a thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into the rectum and guided into the colon. Before the procedure, the patient will be given a laxative to clear out their bowels, and may be offered painkillers and a sedative to reduce discomfort.
Other imaging techniques that may be used include ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the organs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of the body's internal organs and soft tissues without using x-rays.
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Diverticulitis treatment
Diverticulitis is an uncommon complication—affecting about 4% of people with diverticulosis. It can cause acute pain and other symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rectal bleeding, constipation or diarrhoea, and fever. In some cases, it can lead to more serious complications such as bowel obstruction, abscesses, fistulas, or rupture.
If you suspect you have diverticulitis, it is important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test, stool test, urine test, or imaging tests such as a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
The treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity and presence of any complications. For mild, uncomplicated diverticulitis, it may resolve on its own with rest and antibiotics. Doctors may recommend a clear liquid diet and gradually introduce solid foods as symptoms improve. They may also prescribe pain medications such as antispasmodics or acetaminophen instead of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to safety concerns.
For severe diverticulitis or cases with complications, hospitalisation is typically required. Small abscesses can be treated with antibiotics, while larger ones may necessitate surgical drainage or removal. Bowel obstruction, a serious condition caused by complete blockage, requires emergency surgery. If diverticulitis leads to a fistula, surgery is usually indicated. In cases of rupture, where an abscess or weak spot in the large intestine tears, emergency medical attention is crucial as it can result in spillage of pus or stool into the abdominal cavity.
In some instances, surgery may be recommended to remove part of the colon and prevent diverticulitis recurrence. Lifestyle changes may also be suggested to lower the risk of developing diverticulitis again. It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor to ensure they do not increase the risk of diverticulitis.
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Diverticulitis complications
Diverticulitis is characterised by inflammation of the outpouchings of the bowel wall, which can cause acute abdominal pain and other symptoms. It is a complication of diverticulosis, affecting about 4% of people with the condition. Diverticulitis can be acute or chronic, complicated or uncomplicated. While uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics and typically heals easily, complicated diverticulitis may not respond to medical treatment and can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Complications of diverticulitis can be highly variable and difficult to diagnose. Small, well-contained perforations are common and most cases can be managed with antibiotics and supportive medical treatment. However, unusual and more severe complications, such as non-contained perforation, may occur in 1-2% of patients with acute diverticulitis and can lead to local abscess and fistula formation. Non-contained perforations can cause widespread intra-abdominal free air, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Other potential complications of diverticulitis include phlegmon, abscess, phylephlebitis (ascending septic thrombophlebitis), intestinal obstruction, and bleeding. Intestinal obstruction can be caused by the obstruction of the diverticular ostium by a stool fragment or food particles. Bleeding can occur when the blood vessels in the large intestine are weakened by diverticula, making them vulnerable to damage.
To diagnose diverticulitis and its complications, healthcare providers may use imaging techniques such as ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). US can visualise inflamed diverticula as noncompressible outpouchings of the bowel wall with thickened and hypoechoic walls. CT scans can assess the severity of inflammation, involvement of the bowel segment, and local and distant complications. Colonoscopy, a technique where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum and guided into the colon, may also be used to evaluate and treat diverticulitis.
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Frequently asked questions
Diverticulitis is a condition where pouches in the lining of the intestine, known as diverticula, become inflamed or infected. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Yes, diverticulitis can cause muscle pain. The pain is typically felt in the abdomen and can be severe. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the back, causing lower back pain.
The exact cause of diverticulitis is not fully understood, but it is associated with a low-fibre diet. Not eating enough fibre can lead to constipation, increasing the pressure in the large intestine and causing diverticula to form.
Mild cases of diverticulitis may clear up with rest and antibiotics. Eating a high-fibre diet and drinking plenty of fluids can also help control symptoms. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to treat complications such as abscesses or fistulas.
