Can diverticulitis cause your lower back and abdomen to hurt and be diagnosed just with a rectal exam?

Yes and no: Yes it can cause lower back and stomach to hurt no it can not be diagnosed by rectal exam.You need cat scan and/or colonoscopy exam to diagnose but one can suspect on clinical exam and confirm by testing.

Possible: The diverticulitis will cause inflammation and discomfort with whatever it contacts, so flank/back or abdominal wall are possible. Potential to diagnose by rectal if painful exam, but poor specificity / sensitivity--usually ct scan done, unless other factors considered.

Yes and no.: Diverticulitis can cause symptoms like this, but it cannot be diagnosed with just a rectal exam. One would need a complete history, exam and consideration of other studies to exclude other potential causes of such pain.